Driving on highways and sharing the road with semis is an everyday reality for many motorists. While most drivers complete their journey safely, accidents involving large trucks can be particularly devastating due to their size and weight. Understanding the dangers of driving near a semi-truck and adopting safe driving practices can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
What makes driving near a large truck dangerous?
Semi-trucks, also known as 18-wheelers or big rigs, pose unique hazards on the road for several reasons:
- Blind spots: Semi trucks have larger blind spots than typical passenger vehicles. If your car is located in one of these blind spots, you may not be visible to the truck driver.
- Long stopping distances: Large trucks are heavy, so they take about 40 percent longer to stop than cars do. If a car stops suddenly, the truck may not have the time or space to stop before colliding into this other vehicle.
- Wide turns: Trucks need to make wide turns and sometimes swing out to do so. Cars that do not expect this can end up in dangerous positions near the truck.
- High center of gravity: Their high center of gravity means that trucks can tip over more easily, especially in strong winds or when turning sharply.
These factors can all make driving near a big rig dangerous even in the best weather and road conditions. High winds, rain, icy roads and other hazards can all increase the risk even more.
How can you stay safe around large commercial vehicles?
One of the most important ways to protect yourself around semi-trucks is to give them space. Try to stay out of the truck’s blind spots, and remember that a driver likely cannot see you if you cannot see their face in the truck’s side mirror. You should also keep a safe distance behind trucks; a good rule of thumb is to allow at least four to six seconds of following distance in dry conditions.
You should also take care when passing large commercial vehicles. Always signal clearly and pass trucks on the left side, where the driver has the best visibility. Ensure you can see the truck in your rearview mirror before pulling in front of it.
Staying aware and focused can also help you respond to hazards when they come up. Avoid distractions and keep hazards like wide turns or a high center of gravity in mind when making decisions.
The key to coexisting safely with these large vehicles is respect and patience. By taking care around 18-wheelers, you limit the risk of a truck accident and the serious injuries that can result.
