Whether you’re new to driving or a veteran on the road, driving around giant semi-trucks on the highway is a stressful ordeal. Their size makes them intimidating, and they get into more accidents than standard vehicles. However, you can use these tips for driving safely around large trucks to keep everybody safe on the road.
Keep Your Distance
The worst thing you can do for yourself is get too close to a semi-truck on the highway. Many drivers try to pressure cars they feel are going too slow by decreasing the following distance, but that’s not a great idea with semi-trucks.
Many trucks don’t even have rearview mirrors due to the giant trailers they haul, so at best, you’re putting unnecessary pressure on them, and at best, the driver can’t even see you, which puts undue risk on yourself. When it comes to trucks, it’s better to maintain a safe and respectable following distance.
Avoid Their Blind Spots
As already mentioned, many trucks don’t have rearview mirrors, so drivers rely heavily on the side mirrors attached to the leading truck for vision. Due to their reduced visibility, an essential tip for driving safely around large trucks is to stay in their blind spots as little as possible. A common way to know if you’re in the blind spot is to remind yourself that if you can’t see the truck driver, they can’t see you.
Know Where the Truck Will Be
When it comes to maneuvering around large trucks, it helps to keep their space in mind. Trucks make incredibly wide turns, so when you see a truck slowing down or putting on its blinker, give them room to turn. When you see one attempting to merge onto the highway, getting into another lane and allowing them to get in is safer for all parties involved.
Know What To Do if an Accident Happens
Accidents are something everyone actively tries to avoid. However, understanding the necessary actions to take in the event of an accident is just as important and potentially lifesaving as knowing how to prevent them. Ensuring that everyone can get immediate medical attention is vital, and contacting law enforcement allows them to provide a detailed report of the incident. Once you and everybody else involved in the accident is OK, you can collect the information from the authorities for any legal issues that may arise after the truck wreck.
