Big Rigs – Extra Caution Required
Sharing the highways with large commercial trucks can be intimidating to some. While most truck drivers are very skilled, it is still a good idea to use extra caution when passing or driving next to big rigs. The enormous vehicles have large blind spots, take longer to stop, and are more difficult to maneuver. And your smaller passenger vehicle is going to be at an obvious disadvantage if an accident were to occur.
Follow the safety tips listed below when driving near commercial trucks.
Stay Out of The Blinds Spots
Semi-trucks and other large rigs have much larger blind spots than a regular vehicle. On the driver’s side, the blind spot extends about half the length of the trailer, or about the width of a traffic lane. On the other side of the truck, the blind spot is even larger and extends beyond the length of the trailer. There is also a blind spot in front of the big rig extending about 20 feet in length, and behind the truck, extending about 30 feet.
Be aware of these areas and move quickly beyond them so your vehicle can be seen by the truck driver.
Give the Trucker More Time
Activate your turn signal earlier when you intend to change lanes near a big rig. This gives the driver additional time to respond or slow down if necessary.
Do not merge in front of a large commercial truck if there is the possibility that traffic ahead could slow or stop abruptly. Because it takes longer for a truck to stop, a sudden lane change could mean the truck driver does not have sufficient time to avoid crashing into your vehicle.
Pass Big Rigs Safely
Passing a vehicle should always be done safely, but it is even more important when passing a big rig. It is better to pass on the truck’s left side, which has a smaller blind spot. Keep your speed consistent while passing and signal well in advance. Before you move back into the lane where the truck is traveling, make sure you can see the truck in your rearview mirror and that you are allowing plenty of space.
When you are being passed by a large truck, slow your vehicle to allow it to merge safely in front of you.
Do Not Follow Closely
Allow at least four seconds of driving distance between your car and the truck. If you tailgate a big rig, the driver is not going to be able to see you. Many times when a car is rear-ended while too closely following a big rig, the car gets pushed under the truck’s trailer. That kind of accident can cause devastating, often fatal, injuries.
Keeping a large safety distance between your vehicle and the commercial truck also gives you more time to respond if the truck has a tire blowout or encounters some other potential catastrophe.
Practice Patience Near Big Rigs
The advice that unifies all of the tips shared above is to be patient. A big rig is more difficult to handle, provides less visibility, and takes longer to maneuver and slow down. Many commercial trucks are equipped with speed limiter technology that prevents the truck from driving over a certain speed. Be patient, use caution, and stay focused as you share the highways with the big trucks and truck drivers that play a crucial role in the American economy.
Watch the YouTube Video. The news clip below discusses how to drive safely near semi-trucks.
Modesto Truck Accident Lawyer
Hello, I’m Ed Smith, a truck accident lawyer in Modesto, California. Sharing the highways with big rigs is something we have all come to expect in Northern California. Most of the time, there are no issues with this arrangement. Sometimes, however, accidents occur, and the passenger vehicle and its occupants usually take the brunt of the impact. If you have been injured due to the negligence or recklessness of a truck driver, call our office and speak with an injury lawyer. We are happy to provide free and friendly advice. You may reach us at (209) 227-1931, or if you will be calling from outside of the Modesto area, use our toll-free line: (800) 404-5400.
Photo Attribution: https://unsplash.com/photos/ucuOscdCaO4
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