Are you new to driving a vehicle that’s much larger than what you’re used to? Have you had prior experience of driving a rented lorry, say for your home or office relocation? If you answered ‘Yes’ to the latter, you probably know how challenging it is to drive a large, bulky vehicle on the roads of Singapore.
That being said, there are different restrictions for driving different types of commercial vehicles, which include goods and oversized vehicles. Some are not allowed to be driven on expressways and in tunnels while oversized vehicles will require permits to be driven on roads.
Nevertheless, you can make driving a rental lorry in Singapore a safe one with the following tips, as long as you’re aware of the restrictions that apply to your rented lorry.
- Always wear your seat belt
- Avoid distractions
- Drive within the speed limit
- Avoid alcohol intake
- Stay calm while driving
- Always make use of the indicators
- Look out for blind spots
- Maintain a proper stopping distance
Always wear your seat belt
There’s a reason why most vehicles, including lorries, have seat belts in them – to secure the driver or passenger(s) of a vehicle against harmful movement that may result during a collision or a sudden stop.
The use of seat belts in Singapore is not only mandatory under the Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Seat Belts) Rules, but it’s also the most effective way to reduce injury. Failing to wear your seat belt will cost you a $120 fine. If you’re charged in court and convicted, the penalty will be a fine not exceeding $1,000 and in the case of a second or subsequent offense, the penalty will be a fine not exceeding $2,000.
Avoid distractions
In a time when immediate response is admired, using your phone while driving entails shifting your attention from the road to your device. This means you’re less focused on the road and more on your gadget, which increases the risk of careless driving.
Besides, it is an offense to hold and use your phone while driving in Singapore. First-time offenders can be fined up to $1,000 and/or jailed for up to six months under the Road Traffic Act (Chapter 276, Section 65B). If you need to make or answer a call while driving, make sure to invest in a hands-free device like a phone holder so that you can maintain your focus on the road.
Drive within the speed limit
Every road in Singapore has a speed limit. Unless it’s stated otherwise, the speed limit of all roads is 50km/h while in School and Silver Zones, the speed limit is 40km/h.
Should you happen to drive your lorry in these zones, make sure to pay extra attention to the road signage and drive safely within the speed limit to be a responsible driver, as well as avoid penalties and demerit points.
Avoid drugs and alcohol
It’s common knowledge that drinking and driving is a road hazard because the alcohol in your system will impair your judgment and physical ability to drive safely. The same goes for drugs, especially medications that induce drowsiness.
Aside from posing safety hazards to you and other road users, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also cost you your driving license.
Stay calm while driving
When you’re driving a lorry, you need to stay calm, cool, and collected because road rage is a serious threat to safe driving. If you let anger take control of your driving, it can put yourself and other drivers at risk.
Instead of risking your own life and the lives of others, staying calm will help you make better judgments and improve your muscle reflex to control the lorry whenever you face unforeseen circumstances.
Always make use of the indicators
The indicators are there for two reasons – to indicate your lorry’s presence and your intention to change lane or direction. By making full use of these indicators, you can reduce the likelihood of road collisions.
After all, signaling before changing lanes or turning is required by law. Even if you don’t see any other vehicles nearby, you should still use the indicators. This will allow other drivers, who are driving at a far distance, to adjust to any potential hazards.
Look out for blind spots
Every vehicle has a blind spot. This is more apparent when you drive a lorry as the truck has a taller and bulkier build than most cars. Hence, there are plenty of blind spots and you will need to look out for these blind spots while you’re driving the lorry.
Since checking the rear-view and side mirrors aren’t always effective in minimising the blind spots, you should always be aware of your surroundings, especially of small vehicles like motorcycles and bicycles as these often go unnoticed due to the size of your truck.
Maintain a proper stopping distance
Maintaining a proper stopping distance between your lorry and other vehicles ahead of you will help to prevent close collisions from happening. Try practising the three-second rule whenever you see a car trying to enter your lane or reach a particular spot on the road.
If you’re required to drive the lorry during heavy rain or strong winds, increase the stopping distance and time taken to stop your truck. This will prevent unwanted mishaps from happening during bad weather conditions.
With these safe driving tips, you can rest assured that you’ll be one of the most responsible drivers in Singapore. At Edmund Vehicle Rental, we provide a variety of lorry rentals to suit your needs. You can choose between a 10ft and 14ft lorry with either an open-top, with/without canopy, or box.
For ease of driving, the lorries are either fitted with an automatic or manual transmission. If you’re keen on renting a lorry or two from us, simply contact us at (65) 6250 3339 or email enquiries@edmundvehiclerental.com.sg.
