Safety Tips When Driving an Unfamiliar Rental Van or Truck

March 14, 2017, 8:00

Safety Tips From A Rental Van Company Gary

There may be a time when you need to rent a van or rental truck to help you transport personal items, tools, or furniture, or to get a group of people from one place to the next. When this is the case, our team at Marcus/Allard Truck Rental is your go-to solution, with plenty of vans and trucks to choose from.

Before you hit the open road in one of our rental trucks or vans, though, we encourage you to review the following safety tips regarding driving an unfamiliar large vehicle. Safety is our top priority!

  • Take a Minute to Familiarize Yourself with the Vehicle’s Features

Before you turn the key in the ignition, take a minute to familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s features. Do you know how to turn on the lights? Are the mirrors adjusted for your height? How you do work the windshield wipers? By understanding exactly where the vehicle’s different functions are located, you will save yourself the trouble – and the risk – of trying to figure it out when you’re in motion.

  • Give Yourself Extra Stopping Room

When you’re driving an unfamiliar vehicle, especially one that is large, you should give yourself extra stopping room by providing a large distance between your vehicle and any vehicles that you are following. Larger vehicles take more time to come to a complete stop than do smaller vehicles, and the extra room will allow for that. Test your braking response time in a safe place, such as a parking lot with few vehicles before hitting the highway or traveling at high speeds.

  • Put Away Distractions

Driving an unfamiliar vehicle, especially a large van or truck, can be intimidating. And if you are not used to driving large vehicles, the inexperience can put you at a slightly increased risk of accident. To improve your chances of arriving at your destination safely, put away any distractions and focus on safe driving. You should never use a cellphone, eat, drink, or engage in other distracting behaviors while behind the wheel.

  • Take it Slow

As you begin to drive, take it slow as you familiarize yourself with different characteristics of the vehicle, such as how well it handles, its turning abilities, and more. Also remember to drive at a safe speed; again, larger vehicles are harder to stop than are smaller ones, and have a much greater risk of tipping over when taking a turn at an unsafe speed. Avoid dangerous maneuvers, and remember that the rush is never worth it.

Get Your Rental Van or Truck Today

At Marcus/Allard Truck Rental, we hope that you have a safe journey when you rent one of our vehicles. We maintain and inspect our vehicles on a regular basis as part of our goal to prioritize safety. If you have questions about driving a large van or truck that is bigger than you’re used to, don’t hesitate to ask. To learn more about our vehicles, call us today at 219-838-0200.