Lifestyle

Experienced Truckers Share Valuable Driving Tips You Need to Know

Published

3 years ago

June 21, 2022

America is currently facing a logistics crisis partly due to disruption by the COVID-19 pandemic and an acute shortage of truck drivers. If you have ever wanted to be a trucker, there is never a better time than now.

But the conditions and the pressures of work can easily have a toll on truck drivers, making it one of the riskiest professions. But some truckers have been in it for a lifetime and have managed to drive incident-free.

Keep reading as we share some valuable tips from experienced truckers that you may want to know early in your newfound career.

American Trucking Industry Statistics

The trucking industry employs approximately 3.5 million Americans representing 5% of all full-time employees. This industry is male-dominated, with only 10% of all truckers being women.

Other statistics indicate that the industry is 80,000 truckers short, a figure expected to rise as older truckers approach retirement. As a result, the existing truckers are often pushed to the limit to ensure that trucking companies meet the deadline, a significant contributor to truck accidents in recent years.

In 2020, over 4,865 people died in truck-related injuries in the U.S., representing a 1% decrease from 2019 but a 31% increase since 2011. If you want to get an in-depth look at the trucking accident rates, this list of truck accident statistics can be a good read for you.

Safety Tips from Experienced Truckers

Drive Defensively

Defensive driving means driving with an awareness that you could be the only driver on the road with safety in mind. According to most experienced truckers, many drivers do not know how to drive safely around big rigs. A study conducted by a Michigan university showed that over 80 percent of all crashes involving a trailer are caused by other vehicles rather than the truck.

Some defensive driving tips for truckers include being cautious about your blind spots, which can be relatively broad, and maintaining a wider following distance than an average car. With up to 80,000 pounds in tow, you will require a longer distance to come to a stop than an average car.

Ensure Your Truck’s Maintenance Is Up to Date

The responsibility of ensuring that the truck’s maintenance is up to date lies with the trucking company. Your life is at risk when driving a truck, so you may want to ensure that the company does what it is supposed to do.

You do not have to wait for the maintenance schedule to look for mechanical issues. Regular inspection of your truck before getting on the road is vital to ensure everything is in its right working order.

For example, you may want to physically examine the wheels to ensure they have the right pressure and that there are no loose screws. You may also want to ensure that all your brakes, brake lights, and turn signals are functional before getting on the road.

Get Adequate Rest and Sleep

Adequate sleep and rest are essential when operating big rigs. If you do not get enough of any, you risk sleeping while on the road creating a significantly high risk of getting into an accident. Federal laws stipulate a maximum of 60 to 70 driving hours per week and regular breaks that vary depending on the driving regime.

Most trucks come with automatic logs that indicate the number of hours they have been on the road. However, logging out doesn’t always mean the driver will get adequate rest.

Some truckers use the brakes to engage in other activities such as drinking, which could mean they don’t get enough rest to drive the following day safely. According to experienced truck drivers, if you feel drowsy during your drive, it is best to pull over into a rest area and take a break before proceeding.

Lifestyle

Vipin Gupta Transforms Industries Through AI and Data Mastery

Published

15 hours ago

January 29, 2025

Michelle Langton

Photo courtesy of Vipin Gupta

Vipin Gupta, a veteran with 17 years in the IT industry, stands at the forefront of AI and data engineering. His knowledge spans healthcare, investment banking, and manufacturing, where he transforms raw data into actionable insights that drive operational efficiency and strategic decision-making.

Vipin Gupta’s method combines technical prowess with a deep understanding of industry-specific challenges, enabling him to craft solutions that address both immediate needs and future requirements.

Patients Win Big

Vipin Gupta focuses on value-based care programs and clinical data platforms in the healthcare sector. His work directly impacts patient outcomes and organizational performance through innovative data-driven solutions.

“Every data point in healthcare presents a chance to improve patient outcomes,” Gupta says. “AI and advanced analytics uncover insights that impact lives and shape treatment strategies.”

Industry peers recognize his effective methods and frequently seek advice on staying ahead in an evolving field. He emphasizes consistently tracking trends and expanding one’s knowledge base. Through data-driven solutions, his work directly impacts patient care and organizational performance.

Vipin Gupta designs systems that allow healthcare providers to make informed decisions quickly. This practical focus has led to tools that enhance diagnosis accuracy, improve treatment planning, and optimize resource allocation, enabling healthcare organizations to elevate their services.

Vipin Gupta has architected a unique and specific product name MyRateFinder in his current organization which helps patients, provider and health insurance companies to bring pricing transparency and deep insight into the pricing for procedures. This co-developed product MyRateFinder, is used by many providers and plan insurance companies to derive strategic insights from newly-public healthcare pricing data.

Becoming a Tech Thought Leader

Vipin Gupta’s journey to becoming a thought leader in tech involves continuous education and active industry engagement. “Read industry blogs, follow experts, explore whitepapers and new research,” he advises. “Recognize industry trends, network at events, attend conferences, and maintain an active social media presence.”

Vipin Gupta’s influence extends beyond his immediate team. He regularly contributes to industry publications, speaks at conferences, and participates in panel discussions, shaping the broader conversation around AI and data engineering across various sectors.

Vipin Gupta believes effective thought leadership stems from deep competence and the ability to communicate complex ideas. He encourages his team members to develop their areas of proficiency, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within his organization. This collaborative strategy for knowledge-sharing has helped create a dynamic and creative work environment.

Gupta’s thought leadership extends beyond his immediate team. He regularly contributes to industry publications, speaks at conferences, and participates in panel discussions. These activities showcase his facility and help shape the broader conversation around AI and data engineering in various sectors.

Gupta’s Blueprint for Business Success

Vipin Gupta’s mastery extends into cloud modernization and solution architecture, crucial components of today’s digital transformation landscape. His work enables companies across sectors to streamline operations and enhance their data capabilities.

“Platform modernization involves rethinking how we structure and make data valuable” Vipin Gupta notes. “As a solution architect, I bridge business needs with technological possibilities, creating efficient and adaptable systems.”

Vipin Gupta’s method for solution architecture is thorough, addressing both technical details and broader business considerations. He collaborates closely with stakeholders to provide solutions that align with long-term goals and deliver measurable value. This integrated perspective has led to the development of robust, scalable systems that adjust to growing business demands.

He has guided organizations in transitioning from legacy systems to flexible, cloud-based solutions. His knowledge has helped companies refine data management practices, strengthen security measures, and improve operational efficiency.

Gupta’s Push for Ethical Data-Driven Solutions

Vipin Gupta views AI, data engineering and analytics as tools that could address significant societal issues. He sees data-driven solutions as potential assets in tackling challenges like climate change and global health.

“We’re still discovering the capability of what AI, GenAI and AgentAI can offer,” Vipin Gupta says. “I’m particularly interested in how these technologies could contribute to more sustainable and fair practices across industries.”

Vipin Gupta’s work provides valuable insights for those embarking on careers in technology. His emphasis on ethical considerations in AI and data engineering underscores the importance of responsible technology use.

By applying his skills thoughtfully and aiming for positive, real-world outcomes, Gupta demonstrates how data mastery can drive meaningful change across industries.