Driving is a complex task that requires not only skill but also good driving habits. Everyone who gets behind the wheel has their own set of driving habits, some of which may seem harmless but can actually have significant consequences for the performance of the vehicle and our personal safety. This is especially true when driving a truck-mounted crane, a powerful and specialized vehicle that demands extra care and attention. Today, we have the opportunity to learn from Master Zhang, an experienced truck-mounted crane driver with many years of driving experience. He will share with us some of the common problems and experiences related to driving habits.
Wrong habit 1: Dealing with frosted windshields in winter.
In winter, it is a common occurrence for the vehicle windshield to frost over. When faced with this situation, many people’s first instinct is to reach for the windshield wipers and try to scrape off the frost. However, this is a big mistake. After a whole night of low temperatures, the windshield wipers are also likely to freeze. Forcing them to start in this state can easily damage the rubber wiper blades. In more severe cases, it can even cause the motor to burn out.
Imagine waking up on a cold winter morning to find your truck-mounted crane’s windshield covered in a thick layer of frost. Without thinking, you turn on the wipers, only to hear a grinding noise as the frozen wipers struggle to move. The rubber blades may become torn or deformed, reducing their effectiveness in clearing the windshield. And if the motor is overworked due to the resistance of the frozen wipers, it can overheat and eventually burn out, leaving you with a costly repair bill and a vehicle that is temporarily out of commission.
Correct approach: When encountering a frosted windshield, don’t be in a hurry to turn on the wipers. Instead, start by warming up the car. Turn on the engine and let it run for a few minutes to allow the heat to gradually build up. Then, turn on the heater and direct the warm air towards the windshield. The heat will slowly melt the frost, and as it does, the view through the windshield will become clearer. This method not only protects the wiper blades and motor but also ensures a more gentle and effective way of clearing the frost.
For example, as you sit in the cab waiting for the frost to melt, you can take this time to check your mirrors, adjust your seat, and mentally prepare for the drive ahead. Once the frost has melted enough to provide a clear view, you can safely start your journey.
Many people make the mistake of not slowing down in advance when turning and instead relying on sudden braking. This is a dangerous practice. When a vehicle is turning, the center of gravity shifts. Braking at this time causes the vehicle body to tilt to one side. If the speed is too high, it can lead to a rollover, especially for larger vehicles like truck-mounted cranes.
Picture yourself driving your truck-mounted crane around a curve. If you haven’t slowed down in advance and suddenly apply the brakes, the force of the brakes combined with the centrifugal force of the turn can cause the vehicle to become unstable. The weight of the crane and any cargo it may be carrying can exacerbate this instability. In a worst-case scenario, the vehicle could tip over, causing serious damage to the vehicle, the crane, and potentially endangering your life and the lives of others on the road.
Correct approach: When turning, it is essential to slow down well in advance. As you approach the curve, gradually reduce your speed to a safe level. Once you have entered the curve, you can slowly increase the speed if necessary, but always maintain a safe and controlled pace. This approach ensures that the vehicle remains stable and reduces the risk of rollovers. For truck-mounted cranes carrying cargo, slowing down before turns is even more crucial. The added weight makes the vehicle more prone to instability, so extra caution is needed.
For instance, when approaching a turn, you can start reducing your speed several hundred feet before the curve. Use your brakes gently and steadily to bring the vehicle to a safe speed. As you enter the curve, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and maintain a smooth and controlled acceleration. This way, you can navigate the turn safely and avoid any potential accidents.
Wrong habit 3: Overreliance on internal circulation and heater.
In winter, it can be tempting to turn on the heater as soon as you enter the vehicle and keep the internal circulation on for a long time. However, this can have negative consequences. Keeping the internal circulation on for an extended period can cause the air inside the car to deteriorate. The lack of fresh air can lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide and other pollutants, making the environment inside the cab uncomfortable and potentially causing the driver to feel drowsy.
Imagine being in a closed cab with the heater on and the internal circulation running continuously. After a while, the air becomes stuffy and stale. You may start to feel tired and less alert, which can be extremely dangerous when driving a truck-mounted crane that requires your full attention.
Correct approach: When using the heater, it is important to alternate between internal and external circulation. This allows fresh air to enter the vehicle and keeps the air inside the cab fresh. By doing so, you can avoid the buildup of pollutants and reduce the risk of drowsiness. Alternating between the two modes also helps to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the vehicle without making it too stuffy or too cold.
For example, you can start by using internal circulation for a short period to quickly warm up the cab. Then, switch to external circulation for a few minutes to let in fresh air. Repeat this process throughout your drive to ensure a pleasant and safe driving environment.
Wrong habit 4: Coasting in neutral on downhill sections.
Many drivers have the habit of coasting in neutral on downhill sections during driving, believing that this will save fuel consumption. However, this is a dangerous misconception. When a vehicle is coasting in neutral, it loses the engine’s braking effect. If the vehicle is loaded with more cargo, the inertia increases, and the chance of accidents for the vehicle greatly increases.
Picture a truck-mounted crane coasting down a steep hill in neutral. Without the engine’s braking force, the vehicle picks up speed rapidly. If a sudden obstacle appears or if the driver needs to slow down quickly, it can be extremely difficult to control the vehicle. The increased speed and lack of braking power can lead to a loss of control and potentially cause a serious accident.
Correct approach: When the vehicle is driving on a downhill section, use intermittent braking to reduce the speed. This helps to maintain control and prevent the vehicle from accelerating too quickly. After reducing the speed, shift gears to a lower gear to take advantage of the engine’s braking effect. This way, the vehicle can be easily controlled, and the risk of accidents is significantly reduced.
For instance, as you approach a downhill section, start by gently applying the brakes to slow down the vehicle. Then, shift down to a lower gear to increase the engine’s resistance and help control the speed. Use the brakes intermittently as needed to maintain a safe speed. By following this approach, you can ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.
Master Zhang emphasizes that although the price of truck-mounted cranes may be affordable, we still need to be extremely careful when driving these vehicles. We must always remember that safety comes first. Bad driving habits can have serious consequences, not only for our own lives but also for the lives of those around us. By being aware of these common mistakes and adopting the correct approaches, we can drive more safely and responsibly.
In conclusion, correcting bad driving habits is essential for every driver, especially those operating specialized vehicles like truck-mounted cranes. By avoiding the mistakes discussed above and following the correct procedures, we can ensure a safer driving experience and protect ourselves and others on the road. Let’s all make a commitment to drive safely and break free from bad driving habits.
