Sharing the road with large trucks can be intimidating for many behind the wheel, especially on the interstate.
It’s important to be extra attentive when maneuvering near 18-wheelers, as accidents involving trucks are often catastrophic. Most fatalities in large truck crashes are passenger vehicle occupants (IIHS).
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) notes these five important tips you should follow to limit your chances of colliding with a truck:
1. Avoid Blind Spots
Avoid lingering in blind spots when driving near trucks more than you would around passenger vehicles. The length and height of an 18-wheeler means they have an even larger blind spot.
Many of us may have experienced a near-accident due to one party’s presence in the other’s blind spot. It’s one of the more dangerous aspects of driving.
When passing a truck, drive at a constant, safe speed and make it a swift – but not too quick – pass. And even then, have both hands on the wheel and keep an eye on the truck to make sure it’s not drifting into your lane.
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2. Allow Extra Space for Stopping
When driving at 55 miles per hour, large trucks and buses need the length of up to two football fields to safely stop (FMCSA).
Because of this, you must allow more space than usual if there’s a truck behind you when switching lanes.
This is especially important to remember when driving in harsh weather conditions, such as rain or snow. Trucks have an even harder time stopping on wet, icy, or snowy roads than most passenger vehicles.
3. Anticipate Wide Turns
We’ve all seen how difficult it is for truckers to operate a 90-degree turn. As a fellow driver, you can make truck drivers’ lives much easier by being aware of their impending turns.
They need extra space to make wide turns and may even have to drift into the left lane before turning right to create more turning space.
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4. Patience. Patience. Patience.
Yes, it can be frustrating when a truck, or numerous trucks, are slowing down the flow of traffic. But remember the inherent danger that trucks – 30,000+ lb vehicles – possess if their drivers aren’t operating with extreme care.
They aren’t going slow to frustrate other drivers; they’re doing so to protect other drivers. They may also have extremely heavy cargo that makes it impossible to operate at high speeds.
Regardless, don’t rush it. Wait your turn to safely pass the truck. Reaching your destination safely is more important than getting there one minute earlier.
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5. Buckle Up, Stay Focused, and Avoid Distracted Driving
These three tips appear together because they’re rules of the road regardless of the type of vehicle you’re sharing the road with.
- Buckle Up
Of the 23,824 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2020, 51% were not wearing seat belts — a 4% increase from 2019 (NHTSA).
- Stay Focused
Grip the wheel with two hands in a 10 to 2 manner and be aware of your surroundings. While you may practice safe driving habits, others unfortunately may not.
- Avoid Distracted Driving
This doesn’t just include driving under the influence. It includes putting down your cell phone, your food, and ensuring you’re well-rested enough to operate a vehicle.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year. It’s never worth it, and particularly when near 18-wheelers, you must prioritize safety on the roads over everything else.
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