Cohabitating With Big Trucks

Steve Klearman

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 535

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 5,000 people die annually in crashes involving large trucks. In collisions between large trucks and cars, 98% of people killed were in the car.

To safely manage your encounters with these behemoths:

Avoid Their Blind Spots

     Because they sit so high, drivers may appear to have total vision of the road. Instead, they have more blind spots than ordinary driv­ers. They are called "No Zones" because cars should avoid them. A big rig's four blind spots are:

     -immediately in front, some­times as much as 20 feet if the truck has a long hood.

     -on either side of the cab. The right side blind spot is especially dangerous, because trucks like to swing into the right lanes to avoid troubles in the road ahead.

     -up to 200 feet in the rear.

·  Remember: If you can't see the driver of a truck in his side mirror, he cannot see you, either. To be seen, pull ahead or drop back.

·  Don't cruise beside a truck for a long time, because if the driver needs to change lanes quickly, he might not know you're there.

·  Keep your lights on in bad weather. It helps truck drivers see you amidst the spray.

Pass With Care

·  On two lane roads, blink your lights to let a driver know you want to pass, whether it's day or night. If he blinks back, you can pass him safely. If he doesn't blink back, he is telling you it's not safe to pass. Wait and try again later.

·  If a truck driver behind you blinks his lights, he wants to pass. Blink back and give him the time and room he needs.

·  If a truck approaches quickly on a steep downhill grade, pull to the right and let him pass. He may have lost his braking power.

·  When you pass a truck, wait until you are at least far enough ahead to see its headlights in your rearview mirror before you move back into the lane.

·  Stay as far away as possible when encountering a truck on the highway to reduce the wind blast.

Proper Spacing

     Even on dry pavement, trucks need twice as much stopping       distance as cars.

·  Cooperate with truckers by allowing plenty of safety cushion for the truck. In heavy traffic leave room for a truck to change lanes.

·  Give trucks enough room to turn, especially on the right side for both left and right turns.

·  Do not tailgate a truck (or any other vehicle). If he stops suddenly, you could find yourself wrapped around his rear axle. Tailgating also blocks your view of the road ahead. Rule of thumb: Stay 4-5 seconds behind a truck.

·  When you are following a truck, position your vehicle at the side of the lane so you can be seen in the truck's mirrors.

·  Another hazard of following a truck too closely is a tire blowout and flying debris.

·  Be careful when you are behind a truck that has just entered the high­way; it takes longer for a truck to pick up speed.

·  In wet weather use more caution.

·  If a trucker tailgates you or makes you angry, signal and get out of the way. Don't retaliate. It's a losing battle. Try to get some identi­fication (safely) and report the incident.n