Whether traveling on local streets or the highway, drivers may find themselves sharing the road with commercial vehicles. Unfortunately, collisions involving these large trucks and smaller passenger vehicles occur all too often. As a result of such wrecks, those involved may suffer serious injuries or death.
By taking certain precautions when sharing the road with large trucks, drivers may help protect themselves and their passengers.
Do not cut off large trucks
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, when sharing the road with commercial trucks, drivers should use care not to cut them off. Large trucks may need the length of up to two football fields to stop when traveling at a speed of 65 mph. Cutting in front of a truck suddenly may result in the driver lacking the distance necessary to stop safely and avoid a potentially serious accident.
Do use caution when passing
According to the FMCSA, to help avoid a possible trucking accident, drivers should use caution when passing commercial vehicles. To this end, they may refrain from passing these vehicles on the right side and avoid attempting to pass on downgrades. Drivers may find it helpful to ensure they have ample space before passing, so they do not have to cut in front too closely.
Do not linger in the no-zones
Commercial vehicles have substantial blind spots on all sides. When in these areas, often referred to as no-zones, the truck operators may not see other vehicles. In order to ensure their visibility and potentially help avoid a collision, it may help drivers to move ahead or slow down to stay out of large trucks’ no zones.
