Commercial trucks are vital to the United States economy. People depend on large trucks to deliver essential goods across Georgia and throughout the nation. These massive vehicles, however, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and have the potential to bring great danger to other motorists.
In 2018 alone, 4,862 people were killed in large truck accidents in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nearly 200 of those deaths occurred in Georgia. If you know how to drive safely around large trucks, you can minimize the risk of becoming involved in a tragic accident.
Understanding the basics
It is critical to stay mindful while sharing the roadways with large trucks. Due to their heavy weight, height and length, tractor trailers operate differently than smaller vehicles. This is especially true in bad weather conditions, as wind, rain, ice, snow and fog can cause trucks to jackknife, slip and slide on the streets. Not only do they require a longer distance to stop, they need more room to turn and maneuver through city streets.
Staying safe on the road
According to the Insurance Information Institute, motorists should use the following techniques to stay safe around large trucks:
- Avoid pulling out in front of large trucks and braking suddenly
- Allow trucks plenty of room to make wide turns at intersections
- Avoid driving too closely, especially in bad weather conditions
Furthermore, avoid driving in tractor trailers’ blind spots, which are largest on the right-hand side and behind the truck. Keep in mind that if you are driving in these areas, the truck driver may not see you.
