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Do you feel nervous when you drive around a truck? You’re not alone. Many people feel intimidated by these large vehicles, especially when they are driving on the highway. Trucks can be very dangerous if you don’t know how to drive around them safely. In this article, we will discuss nine safety tips that will help keep you safe when driving around trucks!
- Leave plenty of room between you and the truck.
One of the dangers of driving around trucks is obviously the possibility of collision. When you are driving behind a truck, you should leave at least four seconds of space between your car and the truck.
This will give you enough time to brake if the truck driver needs to stop suddenly. The last thing you want is to rear-end a big-rig, so keep your space.
- Never cut off a truck
You shouldn’t cut off anyone unless your life is in real danger, but you should especially never cut off a truck. When you are driving in front of a truck, make sure that you never cut off the truck driver.
If you do, the truck driver may not have enough time to brake, which could cause an accident. Instead, give them room to let them see you get in front of them.
- Be aware of blind spots
Speaking of letting them see you, know their blind spots. All vehicles have blind spots, but trucks have larger blind spots than most other vehicles. If you’re directly behind a truck, they can’t see you. If you can’t see the driver in their own side-view mirrors, they can’t see you.
- Beware of wide turns
Big rigs need more space to turn than smaller vehicles —sometimes more than you think. When a truck is making a turn, they may swing out into other lanes. Be aware of this and give them plenty of room to make their turns to avoid collisions and serious accidents.
If you’re ever involved in an accident with a delivery truck in Los Angeles, make sure you seek legal counsel as soon as possible. You can learn more about steps you can take by reading this article.
- Don’t tailgate
This one should be common sense, but you should never tailgate any vehicle, let alone a big rig. If the truck driver has to stop suddenly, you don’t want to run into the back of their trailer.
There is a myth that you can save gas mileage by drafting behind a vehicle. This is simply not true when it comes to driving on the highway in your standard motor vehicle. Leave drafting to NASCAR drivers. Not only is it dangerous, but it’s also illegal in most states.
- Be careful when passing
When you do need to pass a truck, use caution. First of all, make sure that it is safe to pass; don’t try to pass if there is oncoming traffic. When you do pass, make sure to do it quickly, and in the left lane. The last thing you want is to get stuck next to a truck for a long period of time.
If you’re passing on the highway, use your blinker and get back into your lane as soon as possible. If a truck is trying to pass you while you’re in the right lane, slow down and let it pass you more quickly, while making sure to keep your distance.
- Use caution in bad weather
You should always use caution when driving in bad weather, but it is especially important when driving around trucks. Trucks are harder to stop and they have more blind spots, so it is more difficult for them to avoid accidents in poor conditions. If possible, don’t drive around trucks in bad weather. If you must, give them plenty of room and be extra cautious.
- Be patient
Trucks are going to drive slower than you want them to. They have large loads and they need to be cautious on the road. Be patient when driving around trucks, and don’t try to pass them if it isn’t safe.
- Stay vigilant
The most important thing you can do when driving around trucks is to stay vigilant. Pay attention to the road and to the truck, and be aware of your surroundings. If you are alert and cautious, you will be much less likely to get into an accident.
Conclusion
Driving around trucks can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. By following these simple safety tips, you can help to keep yourself and those around you safe on the road. So next time you’re behind a big rig, remember to give them plenty of space and stay aware of their blind spots. And in bad weather, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Happy (and safe) driving!