Safety Tips When Sharing The Road with Semi-Trucks

Sharing the road with commercial semi-trucks can be a frustrating experience for many drivers. Trucks move slowly and take longer to switch lanes, but impatience can lead to reckless driving habits. It is essential to take extra precautions when commuting alongside trucks, as truck accidents are often catastrophic, especially for passengers in smaller cars. In this article, we will explore safety tips when sharing the road with semi-trucks.

Safety Tips When Sharing The Road with Semi-Trucks

Stay Clear of Blind Spots

Blind spots are zones of the roadway around the semi-truck that the driver cannot see through the side or rear-view mirrors. Although trucks have more mirrors than smaller cars, they have more blind spots. The front of a truck’s hood is a blind spot that drivers should avoid as it’s difficult for the truck driver to see you. The blind spots of the truck encompass the majority of its right side, the front portion of its left side, and extend up to 30 feet behind the vehicle.

To avoid these blind spots, dim your car’s headlights to standard low-level settings when following a truck. If you can’t see at least two of the truck’s mirrors, you are probably not visible to the driver. To make sure that the truck driver can see you in their mirrors, either slow down or move forward if you find yourself in a blind spot.

Pass Safely

When passing a slow-moving truck, it is crucial to be cautious and take necessary safety measures. Remember that trucks cannot stop as quickly as cars can, so it’s important to pass them carefully. Avoid passing on the right side as they have multiple blind spots. It is easier for truck drivers to spot overtaking vehicles when they pass on the left side. Furthermore, do not overtake trucks on downgrades as they tend to pick up speed. Make sure to check your mirror for the truck and use your turn signal to indicate your intention before passing. Accelerate as you move into the left lane to avoid staying in the truck’s blind spot.

The truck should be visible in your rear-view mirror when you pull in front. When a truck passes you, slow down, stay on the right, and give it enough space to change lanes. If a speeding truck tries to pass you, let it pass, as it increases the likelihood of truck accidents when you stay in front.

Give Them Space

Commercial semi-trucks have significantly longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. Therefore, it is crucial to keep a safe distance from these massive vehicles, especially when they are turning, slowing down, or accelerating. Truck drivers often spot road hazards before any other motorists, so maintaining enough distance from trucks allows you to react to potential dangers in a timely manner. Additionally, tailgating a truck can lead to damage to your vehicle’s windshield due to large debris on the truck’s path. Furthermore, maintaining a safe distance from trucks gives you more time to respond to sudden tire blowouts, which are a common cause of accidents on the road. It is recommended to avoid driving next to trucks and always keep a safe distance to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Lookout for Wide Turns

To avoid driving off the roadway, truck drivers often make dramatic turns, especially when turning right. This involves swinging left and extending to the left lane or oncoming lane. However, some drivers make the mistake of trying to pass the truck on the right side during this maneuver, which can be extremely dangerous. As the truck driver cannot see you in the mirror, it can result in a disaster. Therefore, it is advisable not to position your vehicle to the right of a truck at a stop sign or red light if the truck driver indicates that they are going to make a right turn.

Stay Alert

It is essential to avoid distractions while driving on the road with commercial semi-trucks. Common distractions like texting, eating, or preparing a GPS can be dangerous, as truck drivers typically communicate with lights, especially during merging. Being distracted during these signals can put you and your passengers in danger. If you need to make a call, it is best to use a hands-free device to react quickly if the truck slows down or changes lanes. To stay alert and focused on trucks, it is crucial not to drive under the influence or when fatigued.

Buckle Up

Seat belts are an essential safety feature in cars that play a critical role in keeping passengers safe during an accident. According to the CDC, individuals who are ejected from the car during a fatal crash have a higher chance of dying from their injuries. By wearing a seat belt, you can increase your chances of survival in a car accident. Additionally, seat belts can reduce the severity of injuries sustained in truck accidents. However, truck accidents can still occur even if you follow all the safety guidelines. If you or a loved one are involved in a truck accident, it is important to have reliable personal injury lawyers by your side. At Cantor Injury Law, we have a proven track record of securing damages for truck accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Read this also: Auto Accident Documentation: What Documents Do You Need After a Car

FAQs:

  1. What are blind spots, and how can I avoid them when driving alongside a semi-truck?

    Blind spots are areas around a semi-truck where the driver cannot see through the side or rear-view mirrors. To avoid them, you should avoid driving in the area in front of a truck’s hood, stay visible in the driver’s mirrors, and avoid driving in the truck’s blind spots.
  2. How can I pass a semi-truck safely on the road?

    To pass a semi-truck safely, you should avoid passing on the right side and pass on the left side, indicate your intention with your turn signal, accelerate when moving to the left lane, and ensure the truck is visible in your car’s rear-view mirror as you pull in front.
  3. Why is it important to give commercial semi-trucks space on the road?

    Commercial semi-trucks have longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles, and being too close can result in accidents. Keeping a safe distance also gives you more time to respond to potential hazards, such as tire blowouts or debris on the road.
  4. What should I do if a truck is making a wide turn?

    When a truck is making a wide turn, you should not try to pass on the right side, as the driver cannot see you in the mirror. Instead, wait for the truck to complete the turn before proceeding.
  5. Why is it important to stay alert and buckle up when driving alongside semi-trucks?

    Distractions while driving can be dangerous, especially when sharing the road with commercial semi-trucks. Buckling up can reduce injuries in the event of an accident.

Conclusion

Driving alongside commercial semi-trucks requires extra caution and attention to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. By staying clear of blind spots, passing safely, giving them space, watching out for wide turns, staying alert, and buckling up, you can minimize the risk of accidents and potential injuries. In the event of a truck accident, it’s important to have experienced personal injury lawyers by your side to pursue the compensation you deserve.

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