6 Tips to Stay Safe When Sharing the Roads With Commercial Trucks
If you get queasy when seeing 16-wheelers or 18-wheelers barreling down the highway, you’re not alone. And stay drive safe at commercial trucks.
People driving passenger cars are dwarfed by massive commercial trucks operated by drivers who sometimes drive too fast, tailgate, and throw their weight around like they own the roads and highways.
According to the National Safety Council, 120,200 big trucks were involved in collisions that caused injuries in 2022. The same source added that 5,837 big trucks in 2022 were involved in fatal crashes, up 1.8% from 2021. Moreover, the National Safety Council said that large trucks accounted for 10% of total vehicle miles traveled and 6% of all vehicles involved in fatal accidents.
While nothing good comes from irrational fear, it’s not a bad idea to exercise more caution when sharing the roads with mammoth-sized vehicles that can cause significant vehicular mayhem. There’s no question which vehicle and occupants are most at risk when a car collides with a large truck.
Here are six ways you can safely share the roads with large commercial trucks.
1. Stay Out of Blind Spots
One way to stay safe on the road is to avoid blind spots. While all vehicles have blind spots, some have more than others. And that’s especially true when considering large commercial trucks. So, if you spot a 16-wheeler or 18-wheeler, avoid the areas directly behind, in front, or on either side.
A good rule of thumb is to look at the side mirrors. If you look at the side mirrors of a commercial truck and can’t see the driver, the odds are they can’t see you either. If the truck driver can’t see you, the risk of an accident will increase. So, do yourself and the truck driver a favor by ensuring you’re not driving in any of their blind spots.
2. Maintain a Safe Following Distance
It’s also vital that you maintain a safe following distance. Tailgating is never a good idea, but doing so behind a big truck is especially unwise. Leave sufficient space between your car and the truck in front of you. That way, you’ll have time to react or make evasive maneuvers if needed.
3. Expect Slow Acceleration
If you’ve ever driven behind a large commercial truck, you know that acceleration isn’t one of their strengths. You need to anticipate this and drive accordingly. The risk of an accident can climb if you drive too aggressively and tailgate a semi-trailer.
4. Don’t Cut Off Trucks
Weaving in and out of traffic is bad on-the-road behavior. But it can be more dangerous if you do so in front of a commercial truck requiring a greater stopping distance to grind to a halt. When driving your car, be mindful of lane changes, and avoid weaving in and out of traffic.
5. Be Mindful of Wide Turns
Large commercial trucks have bigger-than-normal turning radiuses. You need to consider this when sharing the road with them to avoid problems.
6. Allow Space for Lane Changes
Lane changes take more time and space for big trucks. If you’re driving and notice that someone driving a truck wants to merge into the lane, it’s a good idea to give them the space to do so. That might mean slowing down or changing lanes. As long as you can do so safely, being courteous never goes out of style.
Staying safe on the road takes effort. But it’s well worth it. If you follow the tips above, accident risks will decline. Taking the right precautions will free you from an irrational fear of large vehicles on the roads and highways.
