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Showing posts from August, 2025

Understanding Truck and Tractor-Trailer Blind Spots: What Every Driver Needs to Know

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  Truck and tractor-trailer drivers operate some of the largest and most complex vehicles on the road. Due to their size, these vehicles have significant blind spots — areas around the truck where other vehicles or pedestrians are not visible in the mirrors. These blind spots, often referred to as “ No-Zones ,” pose serious safety risks if not properly managed. Understanding and mitigating these blind spots is essential for safe driving and accident prevention. Where Are the Blind Spots? Front Blind Spot Located directly in front of the truck’s cab. Drivers often cannot see vehicles or obstacles within about 20 feet in front. 2. Rear Blind Spot Located directly behind the trailer. Can extend up to 200 feet behind the truck. Rear-view mirrors do not cover this area, making reversing particularly dangerous. 3. Side Blind Spots On both sides of the truck, particularly the right side (passenger side). Can extend across multiple lanes. These are the most dangerous blind spots due t...

When Trucks Turn Deadly: Lessons from Recent Dangote's Truck Accidents

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  In recent weeks, Nigeria has been shaken by heartbreaking accidents involving Dangote trucks. One of the most painful incidents was the death of a young lady who just graduated six days before the crash , and another occurred near Apostle Johnson Suleman’s church. These tragedies have again raised urgent questions: Why do these accidents keep happening? and what can be done to stop them? image: sahara reporters Why Do These Accidents Happen? Truck crashes in Nigeria are often the result of: Poor driver training – many truck driver...

The Critical Role of Voltmeter and Ammeter in Truck Safety

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  When it comes to the safety and reliability of trucks and tractor-trailers, electrical system monitoring is just as important as engine performance and braking power. Two often-underestimated tools that contribute significantly to road safety are the voltmeter and ammeter. These instruments help drivers monitor the health of a truck’s electrical system, which powers essential components such as lights, ignition, communication systems, and emergency equipment. Understanding the Voltmeter and Ammeter Voltmeter : This instrument measures the voltage (electrical potential difference) of the vehicle’s battery system. It helps detect whether the battery is being overcharged or undercharged. Ammeter : This device measures the current flowing to and from the battery. It shows whether the battery is charging (current flowing in) or discharging (current flowing out). Together, these tools give drivers real-time insight into their truck’s electrical status, helping to prevent breakdown...

The Critical Importance of Draining the Wet Tank in Truck Air Brake Systems

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  When it comes to truck safety, few systems are more vital than the air brake system . Among its components, one often overlooked yet critical part is the wet tank , also known as the primary air reservoir. For truck and tractor-trailer drivers, regularly draining the wet tank is not just a maintenance step — it’s a safety essential that can prevent brake failure, reduce repair costs, and even save lives. What is the Wet Tank? In heavy-duty trucks with air brake systems, the wet tank is the first air reservoir where compressed air from the compressor is stored. As the air passes through the system, it carries moisture and oil vapor  — byproducts of air compression. The wet tank acts as the first line of defense , collecting most of this moisture and oil before it reaches other parts of the brake system , like the service and emergency reservoirs. Why Does Moisture Accumulate? Air compression naturally creates condensation . Even with an air dryer installed, some water, oil...