Staying Safe on the Road with Trucks

Sharing the road with large commercial trucks requires exercising extra caution while driving in an effort to prevent accidents. While safe driving should always be practiced, it is especially important to remain cautious when navigating the roadways near large trucks. Because of their weight and size, semi-trucks and trailers can cause catastrophic accidents. Keep these useful tips in mind when on the road with commercial trucks in an effort to avoid an accident:

• Keep out of the truck’s “blind spot”. The majority of commercial trucks display markers alerting other drivers that when they pass that particular point, the driver of the truck can no longer view them in their mirror. These blind spots are located on all sides of the truck and particular attention should be paid to these markers. The blind spot of a large commercial truck is much larger than that of an average vehicle. A good rule to remember is that if you are unable to see the truck driver in the mirror of the truck, he will not be able to see you either.
• Never cut in front of a commercial truck. Large semi-trucks take much longer to come to a stop than cars do. If you find you must pass a large truck, do so by properly maintaining a consistent speed and waiting until the entire cab of the truck is visible in your rear-view mirror before signaling to pull in front.
• Be aware of large trucks that are making a wide right turn. Never attempt to get between a commercial truck and the curb, as this could result in a serious accident. Pay close attention to the truck signals and give the truck plenty of room to make the turn.
• When following behind a large truck, increase your distance so as to give the truck enough room on the roadway and to allow yourself plenty of time to come to a stop if the truck suddenly brakes or has an accident.
• If you are in front of a commercial truck and feel that it is tailgating you or following too closely, pull over and allow it to pass you.
• Don’t distract truck drivers or draw their attention away from the road by waving or motioning them to blow their horn. If a truck driver’s attention is even momentarily distracted, it may result in a tragic accident.
• Always wear a seat belt and pay attention to the road.

Additional Reading: Truck accident lawyer in Georgia.