Driving near commercial trucks requires extra caution and awareness. If you’re a new driver, it’s natural to feel intimidated by the size and weight of commercial trucks, particularly on busy roadways. In this article, we discuss common truck driver limitations and safe driving habits you can implement to significantly reduce the chances of experiencing a wreck. If you or a loved one are harmed in a collision, a knowledgeable Texas truck accident lawyer may be able to provide assistance.
Understanding Truck Driver Limitations
Truckers face unique challenges on the road that drivers of passenger vehicles don’t really have to consider. For starters, commercial vehicles have much larger blind spots than sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks. This makes it difficult for truckers to see smaller vehicles adjacent to or behind their vehicle. These blind spots, or “No Zones,” stretch along the sides, front corners, and rear of commercial vehicles. You should minimize your time spent in these blind spots to ensure the truck driver sees you, so they don’t accidentally attempt to merge into the lane your vehicle is occupying.
Due to their mass and velocity, trucks require a significant amount of time and space to brake effectively. Whether a truck is fully laden or unloaded, it will have a much longer stopping distance than standard passenger vehicles. Commercial vehicles also require more space to maneuver, especially when making a turn. Trucks take wide turns to avoid striking other vehicles, curbs, and even buildings.
Best Practices for Maintaining a Safe Distance From a Truck
You should never tailgate a truck (or any other vehicle, for that matter!). Tailgating reduces your reaction time and ability to break or evade a sudden hazard, such as a stopped vehicle or roadway obstruction.
You should aim to follow the three-second rule: when the vehicle in front of you passes a stationary object on the side of the road (such as a road marker, large tree, or parked car), count how many seconds it takes for your vehicle to reach the same spot. Ideally, three seconds or longer should pass before your vehicle reaches the same point on the road. In poor weather or dangerous driving conditions, increase this cushion as much as needed to ensure you are not at risk of a crash.
Even if you’re about to miss your exit or you really want to change lanes, avoid cutting in front of a truck. Trucks cannot brake quickly and you don’t want to get struck from behind after an abrupt lane change. Be careful when passing a commercial vehicle, and check that it is safe to change lanes before doing so. It can be tough to see around a large truck, so be sure you can confirm that there are no hazards in the adjacent lanes before merging.
Anticipating Truck Behavior
Channeling the mindset of a truck driver can help you anticipate their actions and avoid a preventable collision. Remember that trucks frequently make wide turns, especially at intersections. Be patient and keep your distance from a turning commercial vehicle, so they can complete their maneuver safely.
The speed of a commercial vehicle may change significantly depending on whether it is on an incline or level surface. Trucks may slow down considerably on steep inclines and accelerate quickly on downhill stretches of road. If you’re in front of or behind a truck on an incline, stay aware for these possible changes in speed.
Driving in Challenging Conditions
Poor weather makes for difficult driving conditions, for new and experienced drivers alike. When road conditions are not ideal, it’s vital to adhere to the principles of defensive driving and take precautions to stay safe. Some weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or snow, can reduce your visibility and make it more difficult to see vehicles around you. Increase your following distance in low-visibility conditions and be prepared to slow down as needed. Wet, slick, or icy roads can cause hydroplaning, so be ready to compensate for a sudden loss of tire traction at a moment’s notice.
Remain aware of your surroundings at all times and be prepared to change lanes, slow down, or come to a complete stop if a hazard arises. Minimize distractions while behind the wheel. Your focus should always be on the road and not on your cellphone, the radio, your passengers, or anything else.
Safely Driving Around Commercial Vehicles
Safely sharing the road with larger vehicles can be intimidating, but it is easily doable with a little bit of patience, awareness, and defensive driving skills. By understanding the physical limitations of commercial trucks and driving responsibly, you reduce the risk of experiencing a wreck and keep the road safer for everyone.