(NAPS)—Increasingly, when it’s time to move out of a college dorm,into a first apartment or on to a new home, consumers are saving time, trouble and money by doing it on their own. If your next move requires renting and driving a truck, here are some smart safety hints from the experts at Penske Truck Rental: eNot everything gets to go. Take a close look at your rental agreement. Most include language from the U.S. Department of Transportation that prohibits the “carrying or hauling of explosives and other dangerous articles.” That means you can’t pack paint, chemicals and cleaning materials, flammable solvents, propane, gasoline and the like. Check with your rental agent if you need a ruling on a particular item. *Go slow so you can make time. Take the time of day you intend to travel, along with likely traffic patterns, into account when planning yourtrip. Allow plenty of time and be awareof possible bottlenecks along the way. eGet to know your truck. Before you pull away from the dealer, familiarize yourself with the truck’s switches and gauges. Adjust the seat and side mirrors so they match your height and comfort zone. eTake a look at the truck’s blind spots. Each truck has an oversized blind spot knownas its “No-Zone,” according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Know where these areas are, especially when changing lanes or coming to a stop. For Following a few key tips could make moving your household and driving the truck yourself easier than yourealize. more tips on dealing with blind spots, visit www.sharetheroad safely.org. eWhen driving a truck, you have to pay attention. “Trucks are taller, wider and may weigh up to 10 times more than the average car,” explained Don Mikes, senior vice president—rental, Penske. “You haveto be extra vigilant.” Be sure to insure yourself. “Most insurance and credit card companies won’t cover truck rentals under existing policies,” Mikes added. If your insurance company is among them, consider signing up for additional coverage options to protect yourself and your belongings. You may feel more confi- dent knowing that his company offers free 24/7 emergency roadside assistance. eLearn more. You can find more moving facts and tips at www.PenskeTruckRental.com or by calling 1-800-GOPENSKE.
