Truckers are an integral part of America, hauling over 11 billion tons of freight in recent years, and being part of a $750+ billion industry. Quite simply, the nation wouldn’t be the same with trucks and their drivers, but, as the biggest vehicles on the road, trucks can pose quite a threat to other road users.
Statistics show that in 2018 alone, over 4,000 people died in accidents involving trucks, and thousands more were injured. The sheer size and scale of trucks mean that when they end up in accidents, the likelihood of fatalities and severe injuries can be so much higher, and there are various factors that can increase the risk of these accidents occurring in the first place.
For starters, truck drivers often spend long hours on the road, which can lead to fatigue or distractions, and other drivers sometimes fail to demonstrate adequate care when driving near trucks or trying to pass them. With this in mind, here are some useful tips to help you stay safe when driving around trucks in order to reduce the risks of accidents occurring.
Never Pass On The Right
This should be a given in any situation, whether you’re trying to pass a car or a truck, but it’s worth mentioning that you should never pass a truck on the right. This can put you in serious risk, increasing the likelihood and severity of traffic accidents that may occur, as trucks typically have more blind spots on the right.
Leave Plenty Of Distance
One way to reduce the risk of getting into an accident with a truck is to leave plenty of distance when driving around or beside them. Trucks weigh tens of thousands of pounds and maneuvering them around is a big job; make it easier on truck drivers by giving them the space they need.
Don’t Park Behind Trucks
Even when it comes to parking, it’s worth keeping your distance from trucks. Don’t forget that truck drivers can have pretty big blind spots due to the size and scale of their vehicles, and if you’re parked too close to the back of a truck, the driver might not see you when they get behind the wheel and decide to set off.
Never Brake Suddenly In Front Of A Truck
Trucks are immensely heavy, which means that their brake speeds are higher than a more lightweight vehicle. Braking suddenly in front of them can be hugely risky, and there are times when other road users force you into braking fast but try to avoid doing this in front of a truck, whenever possible.
Try To Avoid The Blind Spots
As stated several times, trucks can have pretty big blind spots, which is a big part of what makes them so potentially dangerous for other road users, as well as for truckers themselves. Truck drivers do what they can to compensate for these blind spots, but other road users need to do their bit as well.
Keep Yourself Visible
Following on from the previous point, try to stay in visible areas for a truck driver. This means that you shouldn’t get too close to the rear of the vehicle, nor should you spend much time on the right-hand side of a truck either. If you can’t see the driver of the truck, they probably can’t see you either.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving leads to thousands of deaths and injuries each and every year, and these days, with mobile phones and modern in-car entertainment systems, there are more distractions than ever before. Don’t let yourself get distracted at any cost; keep your eyes focused on the road and your surroundings in order to be able to react appropriately and drive appropriately around trucks and other vehicles too.
Always Use Your Signals
A good way to minimize the chances of any accidents occurring with trucks is to let truck drivers and other road users know what you’re doing and what your intentions are through the use of signals. Always use your signals to show when you’re turning or changing lanes, allowing truckers and other drivers to respond accordingly to your actions.
Conclusion
Truck accidents can be very dangerous, but we can all help to reduce the risks of these accidents occurring in the first place, making the roads a safer place for ourselves and others. Follow these top tips in order to stay safe whenever you encounter trucks, being sure to keep your eyes on the road at all times.
