Driving around large commercial trucks can be intimidating. However, if you take simple safety precautions, you can make sure you and the trucker stay safe. Always check your blind spots before merging lanes or changing direction at an intersection. Be aware that trucks have larger braking distances than passenger cars - so maintain a safe following distance in case of an emergency stop.
By observing these tips when approaching and passing by a semi-truck, you can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride for all on the road.
Avoid a Commercial Truck’s Blind Spots
When operating a motor vehicle near large commercial trucks, safety is always top of mind. To best protect yourself and others on the road, it’s important to be aware of how to navigate around the truck’s blind spots. Blind spots are sections of the roadway that are not visible to the driver due to other vehicles obstructing the view.
It is best practice to refrain from entering these ‘zones’ as they can be difficult for drivers to detect. Instead, be mindful of positioning yourself in an area where you are more likely to be seen by the commercial truck driver before making any driving maneuvers. Being aware of these hidden areas and following proper protocols can go a long way towards avoiding potential accidents or danger on our crowded roadways.
Give Commercial Trucks Room
Reducing the amount of traffic around semi-trucks helps eliminate dangerous lane changes or merges and ensures each driver delivers goods safely and responsibly. Communication between all vehicles is also an important factor in maintaining optimal safety for commercial truck operators as well as other drivers.
Make sure that you always use your turn signals when changing lanes or merging, as this will help paint an accurate picture of your movements for those who share the highway with you.
Be Cautious of One Commercial Truck Passing Another
When driving alongside a commercial truck, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers presented when one passes another. Since commercial trucks are larger and heavier than passenger cars, they require much more room and time to maneuver around each other.
If a car were in close proximity of two trucks passing each other, there is a chance that the car could become caught between them or be thrown off balance by heavy gusts of wind created by their passing. When possible, it is recommended for drivers to leave ample room when driving alongside such large vehicles, thus allowing the drivers to safely pass without incident.
Our Des Moines truck accident lawyers at LaMarca Law Group, P.C. are here for you.