Many car drivers become nervous driving near large trucks and buses on the highway, and with good reason. The latest data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration notes that 8.6% of all highway accidents involve at least one large truck or bus, and 14.1% of fatal crashes involved at least one large truck.
Learning and adhering to safe driving practices can bring peace of mind and protect your family. Here are three of the best practices for sharing the road with large trucks.
1. Do not tailgate
Tailgating is a dangerous practice, especially when a truck or bus may not be able to see you behind them. Additionally, you will not be able to see anything that is happening ahead of you. Leaving ample room between you and a large vehicle allows for better sightlines.
2. Pass safely
Make sure you can see the driver in the mirror before attempting to pass, and that the driver sees you. Use turn signals to communicate your intent to pass, and accelerate past the vehicle so that you pass it in a timely fashion. Do not pull back into the truck’s lane until you are certain there is ample space between you and the truck, giving as much extra space as you can.
3. Stay out of blind spots
A common reason for accidents involving trucks is that the driver did not see a vehicle in an adjacent lane. Large vehicles have blind spots on every side, and driving in them puts you at great risk. Be sure you can see the driver in the mirror, and accelerate if you must to stay visible when in an adjacent lane.
Adopting safety techniques for sharing the road with large trucks and buses can protect you and your family from accidents and worse.
