How Moose Bumpers and Defensive Driving Keep You Safe

When you’re on the road behind the wheel of your semi, the last thing you want is to suddenly have something run or pull out in front of you, because let’s face it, there’s no quickly stopping that tractor trailer. Of course, defensive driving is the first line of defense in preventing an accident, but you can also reduce damage and injury by getting a moose bumper from us here at Truck Defender Bumpers. Below, we’ve provided some other suggestions to keep you safe on the road, so take a look for yourself and make sure your safety protocol is up to date. If you’d like to get a moose bumper for your truck, contact us and have it delivered right to your door! We ship all over North America.

The Risk of Hitting an Animal

Of course, car and pickup drivers are warned often about the dangers of hitting large animals. The damage and risk of fatality is enormous, especially as the animal gets bigger. But it’s a mistake to think you’re safe sitting high up the way you do in a semi truck. It can be just as dangerous to hit a moose, elk, cow, or some other large animal. That’s why you need to take every precaution to protect yourself and other drivers on the road.

Risk Factors: Driving at Night

Moose can be found roaming during the day and at night, though most commonly around dusk and dawn. At night, they’re harder to see. That’s why you’ll want to slow down and pay extra close attention to the road when it’s dark out. 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving on its own is dangerous anyway because it can lead to hitting an object or animal that darts out in front of you. Set up your cab so it’s free of distractions. Get all your navigation and music set up before hitting the road. Put away your phone and remove anything else that might pull your attention away from the road. If you’re driving with a passenger, tell them to keep conversation to a minimum while you’re concentrating. Also, make sure your windshield is clean. Smudges and dirt can make it harder to see the road, and can also be distracting. 

Know When You’re at Risk

If you see an animal crossing sign, keep your eyes peeled. Of course, you’ll want to pay attention when you know something could run into the road, but these areas can be particularly high risk. You’ll also want to be wary even if you spot an animal calmly walking on the side of the road. Wild creatures are unpredictable. They might make a move to cross in front of you without warning. 

The Importance of an Extra Strength Bumper

Even with all this, a tractor trailer is tens of thousands of pounds barreling down the freeway at 50+ mph. Sometimes you just can’t stop or swerve in time and you’re going to hit something that darts out in front of you. Sometimes, it’s the safest option for you and other drivers. The problem is that some of those animals are big, especially moose or cattle. They’re going to cause some damage and even wreck vital parts of your truck. That’s where a reinforced aluminum bumper can help. It won’t buckle on impact and it pushes the animal forward so it doesn’t hit other parts of the truck as well. Of course, you’ll still want to inspect the rig just to be safe, but it can make a minor incident out of a big risk. 

And on that note, it’s time to decide if you’re ready for an aluminum bumper to upgrade your truck. Truck Defender Bumpers is located in Vale, South Dakota, so if you’re nearby, then stop in and say hello! Otherwise, let us know where you are in North America so we can ship your extra strength bumper right to your door.