One of the most commonly seen types of vehicles on U.S. roadways is a semi-truck. The trucking industry is a massive part of American culture. In fact, truck drivers can log 100,000-miles per year going to show just how frequently you may see such a vehicle on the road.
Behaving cautiously around these vehicles is important for your own safety and for the safety of others on the road with you. Blind spots, lengthy stopping distances, and wide turns are all factors which can make sharing the road with trucks difficult. Learn everything you need to know to behave safely on the road beside a semi.
Why Semi-Trucks Require Extra Caution
First and foremost, you may be wondering whether you really need to take special steps around semi-trucks. Given the size and weight difference between passenger vehicles and semi-trucks, though, it’s more than necessary. These two factors affect acceleration, braking, and general maneuverability on the road which is why you must act cautiously.
Trucks take longer to slow down, get up to speed, and are unable to make quick corrective action on the road. This means that you, the person in the nimble car, need to be more attentive than normal.
Key Safety Tips for Driving Near Semi-Trucks
Based on recent research, there are estimated to be just under 200,000 accidents involving trucks annually. This goes to show why learning safe driving tips is so crucial. The below three, in particular, well help keep you safe:
1. Avoid Blind Spots or No-Zones
On a truck, there are three areas which you should consider to be “no-zones”: the side, rear, and front. For the latter two, you should avoid being in those areas when you are close to the truck. These are called no-zones because they are the blind spots of the truck where the driver is less likely to see you.
When driving next to a semi-truck, spend as little time in these zones as possible. Always aim to adjust your speed to get out of these areas as quickly as possible, but do so safely.
2. Give Trucks Extra Stopping Distance
As mentioned, the larger size and weight of trucks means that they will require a longer stopping distance. Given this, you should never cut off a semi-truck and avoid merging or passing too close in front of them.
This will help to ensure that they have plenty of time to react to your movement on the road and slow down if need be. At the very least, you will be able to help prevent traffic on the road.
3. Be Cautious Around Wide Turns
One thing drivers often forget is that trucks also require a wider turning radius, given their large size. You shouldn’t try to hustle around a truck when you see it going to make a turn. Especially don’t do this on the right side of the truck as you may get stuck between the truck and the curb.
What to Do If You’re in a Close Call with a Semi-Truck
Nobody wants to be involved in a car accident, especially one with trucks. However, even when employing all of the preventative tips above, accidents can still happen. You always need to be attentive as a driver and take notice if it seems that a truck is losing control. When in doubt, pull over to the side of the road to avoid getting caught in an accident with the semi.
On top of this, practice defensive driving techniques like adjusting your speed to give them space and a felt changing lines by indicating your intentions with a blinker. This will help to reduce the likelihood of a truck driver making an action that would put you in danger.
Protect yourself and truck drivers on the road
The best way to prevent an accident on the road with any driver, not just truck drivers, is to be defensive and cautious. This isn’t foolproof, though, which is why utilizing the techniques from above is so important. Always practice driving safely while watching the road like a hawk in order to reduce your likelihood of being involved in a crash. This will help keep you from injury and keep you on the road longer. If you are involved in a crash, reach out to an accredited attorney as soon as possible who can help you work through the details of what happened.
