The number of semitrucks on the road is staggering and that number will continue to grow. You can see them on interstates, highways and even on dirt/gravel roads.
Driving safely around commercial trucks is easier said than done for a number of reasons:
- These vehicles are extremely large
- Commercial truckers must contend with multiple blind spots
- Commercial trucks have long stopping distances
- Commercial truckers find it difficult to maneuver safely in tight spaces
With these points in mind, here are a few tips you can follow to drive safely around commercial trucks:
- Avoid blind spots: Truckers have blind spots on all four sides, so you need to make yourself visible at all times. Spending too much time in a trucker’s blind spot increases the risk of an accident.
- Use your turn signals and leave enough space when changing lanes: Cutting off a commercial truck is a bad idea, as the driver may not have enough time to slow down. This can result in a serious rear-end collision.
- Pass in the left lane: Passing a commercial truck in the right lane is dangerous because the trucker may not see you coming, increasing the chance of them moving into the lane.
- Stay back: Don’t drive too closely behind a truck, as you need to leave yourself enough time to stop in the event of an emergency. Also, the closer you are the less likely it is that the trucker will see you.
Even if you follow these safety tips, you could still be part of a car-truck accident. For example, if a commercial trucker falls asleep at the wheel, they could strike your vehicle and cause serious injuries and property damage.
If this happens, seek medical treatment and then take steps to protect your legal rights.