Driving around large trucks or 18 wheelers can be scary. Their utter mass can cause massive damage to cars around and in front of them if something happens. 18 wheelers are giant, powerful vehicles that have working restrictions like big blind spots and long braking distances.
Therefore, many deadly accidents happen because of car drivers and not truck drivers. The limits make it very important for you to reduce the risk of a truck accident by learning how to share the road safely with these big giants.
Here are some tips to help you drive safely around commercial trucks:
Be alert and ready
It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced driver or not, accidents can happen and the results will completely depend on your reaction. Therefore, it’s best to be ready with good car insurance and the contact details of a personal injury lawyer. Additionally, you must know how to handle the outcome of the accident – for instance, getting enough evidence and restricting your interaction with the other driver.
It will also help to be a responsible driver around 18 wheelers. Avoid sudden lane changes, stops, and swift turns. Give the commercial trucks enough space and beware when making changes.
Avoid blind spots
Any commercial truck driver will have a hard time seeing you when you drive very closely behind or parallel to them. So, if you are driving on a highway, make sure that you keep a safe distance when behind commercial trucks.
Remember that if you cannot see the side mirror of the truck, other drivers cannot see you either. Therefore, while nearing the trucks, speed up or slow down and let them pass. Also, be very careful while merging, as you might be in a blind spot.
Never cut off a commerce truck driver
Truckers have large blind spots both on the back and front of their trucks. So, trying to cut them off means you will be getting too close to their front and side. Remember that commercial trucks are very heavy and take longer to halt than your regular car.
Therefore, to avoid an accident never cut them off. Truck drivers will not see your car and even if they see it, it will take a long time for them to stop in time to avoid a collision.
Avoid distraction
With very busy schedules, many people are multitasking to manage their time efficiently. However, driving while eating, texting, reading, talking on the phone, and doing other things that will require you to take your hands off the wheel or alter your focus can be very dangerous, particularly when driving around 18 wheelers.
Reduce the risk of getting into an accident with commercial trucks by tending to any task before getting behind the wheel. You will need to be fully focused when on the road and driving around big trucks.
Be on the lookout for signals
When driving near commercial trucks, you must be on the lookout for their turn signals. Remember that they are vehicles that need bigger space to turn and time to do so. That said, if you see the turn signal, give them space – at least three car lengths. And if they are coming your way in a junction, stay behind the stop line. Doing that will give the truck driver ample time to maneuver safely.
Watch out for drifting trucks
On most occasions, when you see a commercial truck drifting, the first thing that comes to your mind is that the driver is sleepy or drunk. However, strong winds can push them, especially if they are not completely loaded. Besides, extremely strong winds can blow trucks over. So, you should give them enough space, especially during heavy wind storms.
Bottom line
Being responsible when on the road is very important, regardless of whether you are driving around 18 wheelers or any car. Keep in mind that being observant and using the right signals can help you reduce the risk of collisions.
Also, it’s vital to use your common sense. Avoid sudden lane changes or any actions that can distract truck drivers, making them react by moving in the wrong direction. Remember that big trucks need more space and time to do so.
