Trucks can be a risk factor for other drivers due to their large blind spots and longer stopping distances. Besides, due to their weight and size, accidents involving trucks usually lead to severe injuries and fatalities. Thus, you need to be careful when driving around them.
Here are two tips for driving safely around a truck:
Avoid blind spots
Trucks, particularly commercial ones, don’t have a rearview mirror. Consequently, truck drivers can’t tell when someone is following them closely. You need to increase your safe following distance when directly behind a truck.
When you want to pass, confirm that you can see the driver’s reflection in the truck’s side mirror. If you can’t see their reflection, they most likely can’t see you. If you can see their reflection and it’s safe to overtake, signal clearly and move to the left. Then, accelerate to pass it – do not linger on the side since you will be in a blind spot.
Once you pass the truck, drive ahead until you can see it in your rearview mirror before merging back into the lane. This is because its height and extended cab can prevent the driver from seeing you when you cut in front. And even if they notice you, they may not have enough space and time to safely stop.
Essentially, avoid driving directly behind, immediately in front and on the sides of a truck.
Stay focused
You should avoid distractions every time you drive, but more so when around a truck. Avoid texting, receiving phone calls, eating, daydreaming and so on.
Despite observing safety measures around a truck, if the truck driver is negligent, they can still endanger you. If you are injured in such an instance, get legal guidance to receive compensation.