Trucks serve as lifelines for the transportation and logistics sectors, transporting heavy-duty goods across long distances and allowing industries to broaden their horizons. Today, it is impossible for several small and large-scale businesses to sustain without trucking. According to a report by Statista, as of 2020, the trucking industry is worth 732.3 billion dollars nationwide. Here are some quick tips for newbies in the truck-driving space to become more proficient in driving a truck.

Don’t skip the pre-trip inspection
Trucks are heavy vehicles prone to fatal accidents, with approximately 30,000 truck accidents taking place in the country each year. Pre-trip inspections are essential to ensure one's safety on the road. Some aspects to check during a pre-trip inspection are brakes, seatbelts, the steering wheel, reflectors and lights, the emergency kit, and wheels and tires. Creating a pre-trip inspection checklist can help truckers ensure that they check all safety parameters before commencing their journeys.

Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles
Truck drivers require sufficient space around their vehicles to be able to keep an eye out for blind spots and avoid collisions. In general, there are four blind spots a trucker must consider while navigating the vehicle - the first one situated directly behind the vehicle, the second and third on either of its sides, and the fourth one in front of the truck. Moreover, being heavy vehicles, trucks require more time to come to a complete halt as compared to other lighter vehicles. Consequently, maintaining a distance allows drivers to halt in time in case of emergency situations.

Check the mirrors frequently
The front and rear-view mirrors of a truck help drivers spot vehicles following them and maintain a safe distance from them to avoid accidents. It is important for truckers to frequently shift their gaze from one mirror to the other to look for vehicles approaching from all directions. Practicing this essential skill in a still vehicle for starters can help truckers get accustomed to checking the vehicle mirrors frequently.

Check the truck again after parking
A common mistake most truckers make is to directly walk away from the truck after parking it. Often, one may forget to turn off blinkers or headlights after parking the vehicle. Thus, it is important to check one’s vehicle after alighting it and before heading to the destination.

Be aware of the trailer at all times
An effective truck driving tip for beginners to gauge their safety on the road is to check their trailer’s position frequently. If the trailer deviates from the line or treads outside the road, it is a sign that the truck is not being driven safely. Truck drivers must be constantly aware of their trailers to ensure vehicle safety.

Get enough sleep before the journey
A truck driver’s job is tedious and demanding, requiring one to undertake journeys late into the night and be on the road for long hours at a stretch. In a study conducted to gauge truck driver fatigue, approximately 18% of truck drivers reported having fallen asleep behind the wheel. Such sleep deprivation can prove fatal, causing serious injuries and even deaths. It is crucial for truck drivers to take adequate rest and ensure quality sleep for 7-8 hours during their off-shift time to avoid accidents and stay alert while driving.

Understand the safety policies
A company’s occupational health and safety (OHS) department is concerned with preventing injuries and accidents at work and providing the necessary safety training to employees. This department also lays down and enforces safety policies and protocols that employees must follow for their well-being. New truckers must go through and understand such safety protocols thoroughly and seek clarifications, if any, promptly with the concerned authorities.

Be careful before and while reversing
Reversing can be a dicey job, especially for newbie drivers of heavy vehicles like trucks. It is best to avoid it over long distances and always keep an eye out for blind spots while reversing. Moreover, drivers must check for any obstructions in parking areas before reversing their trucks in these spaces. While reversing on the road, it is important to look out for vehicles and pedestrians coming in the way.

Avoid overspeeding
Overspeeding is not only detrimental to one’s life but can also result in excessive fuel consumption. As per 2020 reports by the U.S. Department of Transportation, speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of vehicle fatalities. Truck drivers often ignore speed limits in an attempt to complete their journeys quickly; however, it is important to know and adhere to the speed limits in different areas to ensure safety on the road.

Take regular breaks while driving
An essential pro-tip for truck drivers is to care for their physical health, especially while driving across long distances. Truck driving involves being sedentary for long hours, which can increase one’s risk of developing lifestyle diseases like high cholesterol and heart problems. It is essential to take regular breaks during long journeys and alight the vehicle to stretch one’s muscles. One may also perform some basic exercises during these breaks to stay fit and avoid lethargy. To ensure that one does not postpone break time while driving, it is a good idea to plan it before the journey begins.

There are several senior citizens who are preferring to stay by themselves. This may be the outcome of a difficult circumstance at home or they probably just prefer their independence. The need may also arise because they do not have the financial support to live in other apartments. The Housing and Urban Development department has come up with several schemes that are created to aid senior citizens. They provide the required facilities and low-income apartments for them. There are several such apartments all over the country. They are overseen by the government and they allot these apartments to seniors. If you or anyone you know is in need of a low-income apartment for seniors, here is everything you need to know. Qualifications For Low-income Senior Apartments There are certain qualifications you need to meet in order to get yourself a low-income apartment. These were formulated by the HUD keeping in mind the current population of senior citizens. The occupants should be 62 years and older. 80% of the house should be filled with those above 55. The person should be cleared by all local and federal authorities. Since it is meant to an apartment for the elders, families with children or even young adults will not be allowed. You need to carry at least one identity proof with you. These rules can be varied by the landowners. However, the basic criteria are there has to be at least one senior citizen over 62. Types Of Low Income Senior Housing Low-income apartments for seniors are generally located in safe neighborhoods. They ensure that it is an environment with less pollution and noise. There are several types of low-income senior housing. Subsidized Senior Housing These are low-income senior apartments. They are more suitable for those who are capable of managing on their own. These apartments have housing units in calm localities that have all the required facilities in the vicinity. They generally have long waiting lists. The allotment process is supervised by the HUD. Retirement Communities These are communities that are specifically made for senior citizens. They have single homes, mobile homes and even duplexes in the same compound. The prices of these apartments vary. They can be rented or even bought. There are also several recreational facilities available for the senior citizens. The surroundings and the apartment are maintained for a small fee. There is generally a waiting list of those who are interested in the senior apartments. Based on the vacancy and the requirement, the apartments are allotted. It is important to be patient throughout the process. With the rise in the number of senior citizens preferring low-income apartments, the government is building and converting more places into senior apartments.

Are you searching for a portable ice maker? If you want to find the best online stores that offer portable ice makers on sale, you have to conduct proper research and look for popular brands that offer best quality ice makers. Research always helps you learn more about the product, and you can get more information about the features, use, price and other related aspects. You can easily find the best deal for your money with the help of proper research. Here are some of the things that you should consider before purchasing ice makers. Reading reviews The Internet offers you the freedom to read reviews of various types of machines available in the market. If you are interested in buying Yeti Coolers, you have to read a good number of reviews written by existing users to get a first-hand experience of the customers. These users are familiar with this product, and their opinion holds a lot of value as far as a potential buyer is concerned. You can learn from these reviews whether an ice maker is durable, safe and cost-effective. Comparing the efficiency of the ice maker Before purchasing one, it is critical to compare the efficiency of the machines available in the market. Portable ice makers operate at various levels of power, and they also make use of a different amount of energy. If you can manage to find a good portable and energy efficient ice machine, you can efficiently address your needs. You must compare the performance of different machines online and visit the websites to look for popular manufacturers. You need to review the product features in a detailed manner. Certain suppliers, who offer ice makers sale, provide the best machines available in the market with a lot of features, and you can choose the most suitable one based on your budget. You have to be careful of the size, capacity, longevity, and materials used and the credibility of the manufacturer should also be taken into consideration. A good number of portable ice makers offer warranty programs that are customer friendly, and you can consider them because these machines safeguard your interests. You can discuss with the supplier or online store about the warranty options. When you consider all these aspects, choosing the best ice maker becomes an easy task.

These days, we use our smartphones, tablets, and laptops for everything and anything. But, these devices aren't very useful without the power of the internet. As a result, many individuals sign up for Wi-Fi services in their homes. These services are affordable and convenient. However, there are times when our routers don't work correctly, leading to slower internet speeds and other problems. Here are a few Wi-Fi issues and how to fix them. Constant router crashing Having a router that constantly restarts can be frustrating. You could lose your network during a work call or when watching an exciting movie. If you face this issue, consider giving the router a full reset. All you need is a paper clip to hold down the tiny reset button on the router for 30 seconds. Then configure the device again to ensure it works efficiently. Dropping connection Connection drops may occur during certain times of the day or when you use specific appliances, especially microwaves. Many microwaves that run at 2.5GHz frequency can interfere with the network connection. You could face the same issue with older microwave models without a shield. This issue can also be a result of interference from other networks. For example, the connection may drop if your neighbor has the same network with heavy usage during certain times. But you don't need to look for a new Wi-Fi provider in your area just yet. Try changing your router's channel or perform a factory reset to remedy this. Devices not connecting to the Wi-Fi Sometimes, your laptop or computer may not be able to connect to the Wi-Fi network. One way to resolve this issue is to reset your Wi-Fi router to the original factory settings. If this doesn't help, try using an ethernet cable to connect your laptop or desktop directly to the router. If that fails, too, you may have to invest in a new router. If you want a new Wi-Fi connection at home, look up the internet for "Wi-Fi in my area" or "Fiber Wi-Fi in my area" to find the best local company based on your need. A fiber-optic connection, commonly referred to as fiber, is considered a better alternative to boost internet speed.

Turmeric is a yellow spice and is believed to have many health benefits. It belongs to the ginger family and is native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The ideal temperature condition for its growth is between 68°F and 86°F as well as considerable rainfall. The roots are boiled in water and dried in ovens and then ground into powder. The mustard-colored spice is used as a flavoring and coloring agent in Asian cuisine. Curcumin is a bright yellow component in turmeric and used as a herbal supplement and food flavoring and coloring. Chemically, curcumin is responsible for turmeric’s yellow color. Benefits of Turmeric Although the side effects of turmeric and curcumin are many, in many parts of Asia, they are used for treating various health conditions. Some of the benefits include are as follows:

• Medicinal Benefits Due to the presence of curcumin, turmeric is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Anti-inflammatory Component Chronic inflammation is responsible for many diseases in western countries. Curcumin can destroy many molecules that contribute to inflammation.
• Antioxidant Capacity Free radicals in our body have an urge to react with important organic substances such as fatty acids and proteins. Curcumin boosts the activity of antioxidant enzymes that protect the body from free radicals. Owing to their chemical property, curcumin can neutralize free radicals.
• Arthritis Arthritis is a common sickness associated with joint inflammation. Curcumin, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, helps treat symptoms of arthritis.
• Skin Benefits Applying turmeric helps ace marks and blemishes to fade away.

Side Effects of Turmeric and Curcumin Along with the health benefits, there are some side effects of turmeric and curcumin, which occur when they are consumed in large amounts. These can be as follows:

• Kidney Stones Turmeric comprises around 2% oxalate. When consumed at high doses, these can increase the chances of getting kidney stones.
• Adulteration Most of the commercial turmeric powders are adulterated with cheaper ingredients such as cassava starch, wheat, or rye flour. These are not tolerated by individuals with an intolerance to gluten or celiac diseases.
• Lead Content Some turmeric powders contain an excess amount of lead, which may cause many health concerns in the long run.
• Skin Coloration Long-term use of turmeric on the skin may contribute to a permanent yellow color on the skin. Excess turmeric in cuisines can also give a yellow color to the teeth.

Since the adulterated powders are difficult to identify, it is recommended to buy from certified reputed agencies or grind turmeric at home. Similarly, curcumin supplements must also be purchased from certified dealers to avoid any kind of side effects of turmeric and curcumin.

Buying a refrigerator at any price point has become more tricky with so many features that are available. These features help to make the kitchen more organized and easy to find things in the refrigerator. Popular refrigerator brands that one can choose from include LG, Whirlpool, Samsung, Kenmore, and GE. There are various models that these brands provide that have amazing features based on the price. Listed below are the five trending features to look for while buying a new refrigerator.

• Freshness first Dual evaporators are needed to maintain higher humidity levels as well as prevent freezer odors from migrating. A refrigerator that contains air purifiers is great in eliminating the bacteria and mole spores. The vacuum-sealed crisper drawers help to keep the food fresh for longer.
• Through-the-door ice and water dispenser This feature is most requested by buyers these days. It is one of the most convenient features as one can drink water many times a day without repeatedly opening the refrigerator door. The popular refrigerators that offer this feature are the GE PFE28KMKES and Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator. However, the drawback of this feature is that one has to compromise on the storage space, and, usually, this convenient feature requires the high maintenance.
• Door-in-door storage access One can grab the beverages and condiments that are frequently used without opening the entire door of the refrigerator with this door-in-door storage access feature. This feature also helps to save energy in the long run as the entire door is opened less frequently, thereby reducing one's electricity cost.
• Temperature controls On the basis of the things kept in, one can vary the temperatures in the different sections of the fridge. For example, the temperature will be set as cooler as compared to the rest of the fridge in a drawer that stores meat, fish, and cold cuts. Some popular models that offer temperature controls are refrigerators like the GE GNS23GMHES 22.7 CU. FT. French-Door and Samsung RF34H9960S4.
• Better shelves and drawers One can now rearrange split shelves to different heights independently and adjust the doors to fit taller items. There are many refrigerators that have deep storage bins that are specifically meant for storing eggs and other dairy items like milk, butter, and cheese. Also, elevator shelves crack up and down without needing it to be unloaded. These features help easily store beverages and condiments of different shapes and sizes. Also, shelf snuggers that are attached to the rack help to keep bottles and jars secure. Pullout bins and shelves make storing items easier.