Sharing the highway with large trucks requires extra caution and awareness. These massive vehicles take longer to stop, have bigger blind spots, and need more room to maneuver than passenger cars. A minor mistake around a truck can lead to dangerous or even deadly accidents. Understanding how to drive safely alongside trucks not only protects you but also ensures smoother traffic flow for everyone on the road.
Knowing what not to do near these big rigs can make all the difference. Here are some critical mistakes to avoid when driving around trucks.
Tailgating Too Closely
Never drive too close behind a truck because it puts you in serious danger. If the truck stops suddenly, your vehicle could slide underneath its trailer, leading to catastrophic injuries. Keep a safe distance, especially at highway speeds, to give yourself enough time to react to sudden stops or obstacles. Staying back gives you better visibility and keeps you out of harm’s way.
Cutting Off a Truck When Changing Lanes
Never cut in front of a truck. When you merge too closely, the truck driver might not have enough time to slow down if you brake suddenly. These vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and need much more time and distance to stop compared to a car.
Always give plenty of space when changing lanes in front of a truck, and use your turn signal well in advance.
Lingering in a Truck’s Blind Spots
Trucks have larger blind spots than passenger cars, especially on their sides, directly behind, and in front. If you stay in these “no zones,” the driver might not even know you’re there. Avoid lingering beside a truck for too long – either pass them quickly or stay far enough behind. Awareness of these blind spots is key to avoiding unnecessary risks.
Trying to Outrun a Truck on a Merge
Don’t be tempted to rush to beat a truck during a highway merge. Trucks need more space and time to adjust their speed. Instead of trying to outpace a truck, adjust your speed to merge safely behind or ahead of it.
Signal early, check your blind spots, and be patient. Forcing a truck into sudden maneuvers will put both of you at risk.
Passing a Truck on the Right
Right is wrong when it comes to passing trucks, which have larger blind spots on their right side. Drivers often can’t see vehicles in this area, so it’s one of the most dangerous moves you can make. Always pass on the left, where visibility is better for both you and the truck driver. A safe pass minimizes the chance of unexpected accidents.
Driving Too Slowly When Passing
Trucks create turbulence, especially at highway speeds, making smaller vehicles harder to control. This makes hesitating or driving too slowly while passing a truck risky. Spending too much time in a truck’s blind spots increases the likelihood of being sideswiped or caught in an accident. When you pass, do so confidently and at a steady speed.
Failing to Signal Intentions
It’s crucial to signal your intentions clearly because trucks need more time and space to react. Whether you’re merging, turning, or changing lanes, using your turn signal helps the truck driver anticipate your moves. Sudden or unpredictable actions can force a truck driver to make abrupt adjustments, with dangerous consequences for everyone nearby.
Braking Suddenly in Front of a Truck
Slamming on your brakes directly in front of a truck is incredibly dangerous. Trucks take much longer to stop than cars, and a sudden stop could leave the truck driver with no time to react. This increases the risk of a rear-end collision.
Always maintain a safe distance and, if you need to slow down or stop, do so gradually, allowing the truck driver ample time to adjust.
Ignoring a Truck’s Turn Signals
When a truck signals a lane change or turn, never ignore it. Trucks require more room to complete wide turns, especially when approaching tight highway exits. Misjudging their intentions or trying to squeeze past increases the risk of collisions. Always give trucks the space they need when turning or merging.
Blocking a Truck’s Exit Ramp
Trucks need ample space to exit the highway safely, so blocking their path can cause chaos. Whether intentionally or accidentally, driving too close to the truck near an exit ramp limits their ability to maneuver. If you’re near a truck approaching an exit, adjust your speed and give them plenty of room to complete their move.
Speeding Up When a Truck Is Passing
Some car drivers speed up when a truck is trying to pass, creating unnecessary risks. These big vehicles need more time and room to overtake, and by accelerating the car driver forces the truck to spend more time in the passing lane. This increases the likelihood of an accident and disrupts traffic flow.
When a truck begins to pass, maintain your speed or slow down slightly to allow them to overtake safely.
Weaving Between Trucks
It’s commonplace to see impatient car drivers zipping in and out of lanes filled with trucks, but it’s reckless and endangers everyone on the road. Trucks require longer stopping distances and have limited maneuverability, making sudden lane changes risky. Weaving between trucks increases your chances of being caught in a collision or a pileup.
Driving in a Convoy of Trucks
Turbulence created by multiple large vehicles can make handling your car more challenging if you find yourself stuck in a line of trucks. It can feel intimidating, but trying to stay in that position is even worse. Move out of the convoy by either passing the trucks safely or adjusting your speed to create distance.
Not Preparing for Wide Turns
Trucks making wide turns often need to swing out into adjacent lanes before completing their maneuver. Failing to anticipate this can result in collisions or getting trapped between the truck and the curb. If you see a truck signaling a turn, give them plenty of space and avoid trying to squeeze through.
Getting Distracted Near Trucks
Concentrate when you’re driving near a truck because getting distracted is dangerous. Trucks require more attention due to their size and blind spots, so looking at your phone, eating, or fiddling with controls reduces your reaction time – and is a real no-no. Always stay focused and alert, keeping both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road when sharing the highway with trucks.
Up Next:
- 17 Things You Should Never Do When Pulled Over By The Police
- 15 Cars to Avoid Due to Their Poor Engine Quality
- 18 Things You Shouldn’t Do When Your Car Breaks Down on a Road Trip