All drivers must share the roads with vehicles of all kinds, including tractor-trailers. Staying safe while operating your car means that you need to drive defensively to avoid accidents whenever possible.
Some people tend to panic when they approach tractor-trailers while driving, but with these tips in mind, you can feel more comfortable and ensure that you and your passengers are as safe as possible.
1. Increase your driving distance
Heavy trucks require a lot more time to stop, which means that you need to increase the driving distance between you and a truck behind you. If you need to stop quickly, try to get out of the lane and use your signal so that the truck driver has time to react.
2. Account for truck speed
If you are merging onto a highway or crossing an intersection, remember that trucks are usually driving faster than they appear. In such cases, it may be best to let the tractor-trailer merge ahead of you or wait for it to cross before you try to get across.
3. Stay out of blind spots
Because of the length and height of many tractor-trailers, there are numerous blind spots where drivers cannot see you. A good rule of thumb is if you cannot see the trucker in his or her mirrors, the trucker cannot see you. If you are in a blindspot, including directly behind a truck or near the rear wheels, you are much more likely to get in an accident when the truck changes lanes or needs to make a wide turn.
With these safety tips in mind, you will feel more comfortable on the road with heavy trucks.
