Moving trucks are only as safe as their drivers. Professional moving truck drivers insist on adding safety equipment to their trucks to improve your chances of avoiding accidents. Examples of additional important safety equipment include halogen headlights, stiffer shock absorbers, oversized mirrors, and a truck air horn kit.

Adding lights makes your truck more visible. To get noticed, be sure to install a quality train air horn, as it produces an extremely loud output. Train horns come in a variety of sizes with all the necessary equipment to ensure proper installation: compressor, valve, tank, airline, and switches. Don’t settle for a weak electronic horn that will barely outperform your OEM horn when you can install a complete air horn kit that will give you the warning you need to warn other vehicles. Stiffer shocks will give you better control of your truck, especially in bad weather. Standard mirrors are useless – get oversized units that eliminate your blind spot.

Here are some important safety tips for moving truck renters who have little or no experience driving moving trucks:

1. Sit in the truck in Park and learn all the switches and indicators. Today’s rental trucks are more like passenger vehicles, but there are still differences in function and feel, so take the time to get comfortable with the truck.

2. Mirrors need to be adjusted, especially since you don’t have a direct view mirror. You should be able to see the entire lane to your left, eliminating any blind spots that could lead to an accident, as described above.

3. Know the dimensions of your vehicle. You don’t want to be surprised by an overhead obstruction cutting into the top of the truck. Moving trucks are tall and wide, so it’s easy to run into a tree (or a bicyclist!) if you’re unaware of your extra girth. And keep an eye out for those pesky awnings at fast food restaurants, hotels, and banks.

4. Obey the traffic signals of the trucks. You must stop at weigh stations and pay attention to the lane restrictions that apply to trucks. Always look for clear overhead poles.

5. Change lanes carefully. Always use your directional signals, warning well in advance of a pending lane change. Make your lane change smooth: avoid sudden movements and sudden stops.

6. Turn Safely – Your truck is larger than your normal vehicle, so turn carefully, using your mirrors and turn signals. Don’t forget that you have a much larger turning radius, so leave plenty of room. Check all directions at an intersection before proceeding.

7. Never cross or pass a vehicle going over 40 mph. Never pass on curves or hills, and avoid the passing lane on the interstate.

8. Always set the emergency brake when parked and turn your wheels away from the curb when looking up and away from the curb when looking down.

9. Try not to back up: Backing up is hard, so if you need to, ask a pedestrian for help.

By following these simple rules, you will decrease the chances of surprising your fellow drivers and causing an accident.