Bottom line = we ALL have to share the road. Big trucks and tractor trailers need much more space than passenger vehicles, and it's best we all learn how to drive safely around them. They play a huge part in moving our economy by getting the products we love to the isles of our favorite stores.
According to the United States Department of Transportation, more than 500,000 truck accidents occur every year, and only 16% are the truck driver's fault. Nearly 98% of the time, the drivers of the other vehicle are killed in a big truck accident.
To help us all learn how to safely share the road, here are seven tips to keep in mind as you hit the highway.
Give big trucks plenty of space
Have you ever noticed how big trucks leave a fair amount of space between them and the car in front of them while in congested traffic? The space is there to ensure they can coast at a reasonable speed and not have to slam on their breaks when traffic slows down.
You are putting yourself at risk when you slide into that gap. The truck driver may not have enough space to stop and a collision may occur.
When they signal, they need to move quickly
If you see a big rig's turn signal turn on, make room and do it quickly. It generally means, "Hey, I HAVE to move over."
Maneuvering a massive truck and all the weight they carry is a big job, and the turn signal might mean that there's a stopped car in the lane ahead, construction, or heavy traffic. It's best to be kind and either speed up or slow down to let them over.
Do not pass on the right
Try to avoid passing a big truck on the right. There is probably a good reason why the truck is in the left lane. Is there an accident? Is a cop pulling over a motorist on the right shoulder? Is there construction? On city streets, the truck might be gearing up for a right turn.
Big trucks need more space to turn right than passenger vehicles do. If you speed up next to them, it's possible they might not see you before turning.
Don't hang out beside a semi
Big trucks have big tires. These massive tires can and do fail at times.
You do NOT want to be beside a truck and have a huge piece of rubber and steel fly at your vehicle. If you plan to pass, do it as quickly as you can.
You might be invisible
Truck drivers regularly have to check eight to 10 mirrors in addition to the road ahead to be aware of what's around them. Just because you can see the rear view mirror of a truck, doesn't mean they seen you!
Be cautious when approaching a semi, especially in bad weather. Their mirrors could be wet and/or blurry from the elements.
Stopping quickly is nearly impossible
Imagine needing three times the space to stop your car! That's what a big rig needs to stop effectively. If you need to pull in front of a truck, make sure you are going as fast as the truck and give them space.
Driving that truck is their job
It's estimated that more than 3.5 million truck drivers transport $671 billion worth of manufactured and retail goods in the U.S. alone. Trucking is a demanding and important way to make a living and often drivers are away from family and friends for long periods of time.
Let's let the fine folks in this profession know we appreciate them by giving them the space and consideration they need. It might just prevent a deadly collision.
