America’s roads are full of all sorts of vehicles, big and small, so it’s important that all drivers understand the limitations of other vehicles on the highway. Driving near big semi-trucks is part of life on the road, but it comes with risks. Underestimating their limitations can lead to dangerous situations because they need more space, time, and awareness to maneuver safely.
Avoiding these common mistakes can keep you, the truck driver, and everyone else on the road much safer.
Cutting Off a Semi-Truck
Semi-trucks are big and heavy and can cause a lot of damage, so cutting off one is asking for trouble. They need much more distance to stop than an ordinary car, so if you merge too closely in front of one, the driver may not have enough time to slow down or stop if you hit the brakes.
Hanging Out in Blind Spots
The enormous blind spots around semi-trucks are known as “no-zones” – for a reason. If you’re driving in these areas, the truck driver can’t see you, which increases the risk of accidents. Rough guide: If you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver probably can’t see you either.
Tailgating a Semi-Truck
Nobody likes being tailgated because it’s dangerous, but if you follow a semi-truck too closely, you’ve cranked up the danger level. The truck’s rear blind spot means the driver doesn’t know you’re there.
If the truck stops suddenly, you’ll have little to no time to react – and getting wedged under a truck isn’t a good place to go.
Failing to Signal Before Passing
Your turn indicators are there for a reason, so use them. Skipping your turn signal when passing a semi-truck can create confusion and danger. Truck drivers need extra time to adjust for other vehicles changing lanes near them. Without a signal, they may not realize your intentions, which can lead to accidents.
Passing on the Right
You should never pass any vehicle on the right, but overtaking a semi-truck on the right is particularly risky. That’s because trucks often swing wide to the left before making a right turn, putting you directly in harm’s way. Also, the blind spot on the right side of a truck is bigger than the one on the left, so always pass on the left where the driver is more likely to see you and adjust accordingly.
Driving Too Close During Turns
Because they’re big vehicles, semi-trucks need extra room to turn, especially in tight spaces. Don’t get too close, because you could be sideswiped. If you see a truck signaling a turn, give it plenty of room to complete the maneuver. Be patient and let the driver navigate safely before you proceed.
Not Adjusting for Wide Loads
Remember that trucks are cargo vehicles and often carry oversized or wide loads that require extra caution. Ignoring those “Wide Load” signs and getting too close puts you at risk. Stay alert, give them extra room, and avoid trying to pass if conditions don’t allow for a safe move.
Speeding Past a Semi-Truck
Speeding past a semi-truck is dangerous because the air turbulence caused by a big vehicle can destabilize your much smaller car. The faster you go, the more difficult it becomes to stay in control if something unexpected happens. A calm, calculated, and cautious pass is much safer.
Distracted Driving Around Big Rigs
Driver distraction is a major cause of road accidents, so texting, fiddling with your GPS or allowing your thoughts to drift elsewhere when driving near semi-trucks is a definite no-no. You require your full attention because a truck’s size and speed can require fast reactions. Stay focused and always keep your hands on the wheel to ensure that everyone stays safe.
Misjudging a Truck’s Speed
Never underestimate a semi-truck’s speed. Big vehicles can look like they’re moving slower than they really are, which can lead some drivers to pull out in front of them without allowing enough space.
Such a dangerous miscalculation will result in a scary near-miss at best – fatal consequences at worst. Always double-check a truck’s speed and distance before pulling out or merging in front of one.
Weaving Between Trucks
Weaving in and out of traffic is risky enough at the best of times, but doing it around semi-trucks is especially dangerous. These vehicles can’t stop or swerve as quickly as your much smaller car. You could also put yourself in a truck’s blind spot or cut-off zone. Stick to steady, predictable driving.
Ignoring Weather Conditions
Rain, snow, or fog makes all driving tricky, but around semi-trucks, these weather conditions are particularly hazardous. Trucks take longer to stop and can lose traction more easily in bad weather.
Reduce your speed, give trucks extra room, and avoid sudden maneuvers in slippery conditions. A little extra caution ensures you don’t end up in a dangerous situation.
Underestimating the Length of a Truck
Semi-trucks are often longer than they look, and underestimating their size is a big mistake that can lead to risky passing moves. Trying to squeeze by at the last second is never worth the potential danger. Take your time and give yourself plenty of time and space to overtake these vehicles safely.
Forgetting About Tire Blowouts
The heavy burden of a semi-truck means its tires have to work harder. They are under intense pressure, and blowouts happen frequently. If a blowout happens when driving too close, you risk getting hit by big lumps of flying debris. Stay alert for signs of wobbling or smoking tires when near a truck, and give them plenty of space.
Blocking Access Ramps or Exits
All trucks are big and need wide, clear lanes to enter or exit highways safely. Blocking these areas or cutting off a truck attempting to merge creates dangerous situations that put all road users at risk. Always be aware of trucks entering or leaving the highway and adjust your position to give them room.