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Driving safely around big semi-trucks is a must for all drivers. These massive vehicles can create a lot of danger on the road and require special attention from other drivers. In order to help keep yourself and other drivers safe, it’s important to follow some basic safety tips when driving near semi-trucks. Let’s dive into some of these tips so you can stay safe on the road.
Allow Ample Space between You and the Truck
It’s important that you give yourself enough space between you and the truck while traveling down the highway. A truck requires more time to come to a complete stop due to its size and weight, so it’s important that you don’t cut them off or follow too closely behind them. Give yourself plenty of space between your car and their truck so that they can maneuver safely if needed.
Give Them Room to Maneuver
Semi-trucks are large vehicles, and they take up more room than a regular car when turning or changing lanes. When driving near one, give them extra space so they won’t feel like they have to take evasive maneuvers in order to avoid hitting your vehicle. This is especially true when approaching a truck from behind—give them room to slow down gradually instead of hitting the brakes suddenly and possibly causing an accident.
Be Patient
Semi-trucks are much slower than regular cars, so don’t get frustrated if it takes them longer to accelerate or stop at traffic lights or stop signs. You should also keep in mind that trucks may need more time and space to maneuver around sharp curves or exit highways. Be patient and understand that even though semi-trucks may not travel as quickly as other drivers, they still need plenty of room on the road for safety purposes.
Be Aware of Blind Spots
Big trucks have much larger blind spots than regular cars. This means that you should be extra cautious when changing lanes or passing a truck. If a truck driver cannot see you, they could merge into your lane without realizing it, leading to a potential collision. Be sure to check your mirrors before making any lane changes and don’t pass too close to the truck as it may cause them to swerve into your lane unintentionally.
Be Aware of Their Speed
Big semi-trucks take longer to accelerate than smaller cars and also need more time and space to stop or slow down. If you are driving behind a truck, be aware that they may not speed up as quickly as you expect them too or that they may need more room than usual when stopping/slowing down. By paying attention to their speed, you can better anticipate how long it will take for them to respond and adjust accordingly.
Be Visible
It’s also important that other vehicles be visible when driving near big semi-trucks so they know where everyone else is on the road. Make sure your headlights are turned on during rain, snow, fog, or any other low visibility conditions so that the truck can see you better while driving in front of or beside it. Additionally, don’t drive directly in front or behind a truck; instead try to drive ahead of it or alongside it so that the driver can get a better view of any potential hazards around them.
Know What to Do if Things Go Wrong
Keep in mind that while you can take all the precautions in the world, you aren’t guaranteed safety when driving. If you experience a car accident involving a semi-truck, it’s important to know what to do in order to protect yourself and your legal rights. Immediately after the accident, make sure that everyone involved is safe and call 911 if necessary. Take pictures of the scene, get contact information from all parties involved, and be sure to write down any details that you remember about the accident.
It’s also a good idea to contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney who can help you navigate complex legal processes and assist in protecting your rights. Understanding what to do after an accident can make all the difference when it comes to getting the compensation and justice you deserve.
Driving safely around big semi-trucks is an important skill for all drivers to master in order to ensure their own safety as well as those around them on the road. By following these simple tips—such as maintaining your distance from trucks, being aware of their speed limitations, and making yourself visible—you can help make sure everyone stays safe while sharing the roads with big semis! So next time you find yourself sharing roads with these massive vehicles, remember these tips and stay safe out there!
By Dixie Somers
who is a freelance writer based in Arizona.
Member since October, 2022
View all the articles of Dixie Somers.
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