Driving beside a semi-truck can be scary—and with good reason. These huge vehicles weigh up to 40 tons and have large blind spots, wide turning radiuses and long stopping distances, making them harder to maneuver and more dangerous if the driver is not careful. While truck drivers are professionals, accidents can still happen.
What is surprising, however, is that crash data reveal that in truck and car accidents, the smaller vehicles are more at fault than the larger ones. The data further revealed that 89% of the car drivers are at fault. It shows how you drive around semi-trucks matters.
Here are five tips on how to keep yourself safe when driving next to a semi:
Stay out of blind spots
Semis have blind spots on both sides, in front and behind them—these areas you must avoid. One telltale sign that you are in the blind spot is when you cannot see the truck driver’s mirrors. So if you cannot see them, they also cannot see you.
Pass quickly
Don’t take your time driving beside a semi. Instead, drive quickly to the driver’s left side, where they will see you. Avoid passing on the driver’s right side, especially if the truck turns. The truck driver might suddenly change lanes, or the truck can suddenly swerve and hit you.
Do not cut them off
Even when the driver applies the brakes, it takes longer for a truck to stop than for a car. Cutting off a semi can lead to serious rear-end collisions, resulting in injuries or even death.
Never tailgate them
Tailgating a truck is also a big no-no. Not only are you in the blind spot, but you also cannot see the road ahead, which puts you at risk. The truck can swerve, merge, turn or brake anytime. Giving them more space means less possibility of you getting hit by the truck.
Stay alert
Use the correct signal when turning and maintain your speed. Also, make sure you are not distracted—texting, calling and other activities that can take your attention away—when driving beside a semi-truck. These habits can put your life and the lives of others at risk.
Driving cautiously around larger trucks is not just about avoiding tickets; it is about protecting yourself, your passengers and other people around you while driving. Keeping them in mind can help you avoid accidents.
Staying safe around semi-trucks
Driving beside a semi-truck requires extra care. These huge vehicles have limited visibility and are more challenging to control. Thus, it is important to understand how they work and drive defensively around them.
Staying alert, driving responsibly and maintaining a safe distance from them reduces your risk of crashing into them. However, if an accident does happen, understanding the common causes and other contributing factors to the collisions can help you make an informed decision when pursuing compensation or holding the responsible party accountable.