As a driver who shares the road with commercial vehicles, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. After all, due to their size and weight, they could easily deal a lot of damage if you ended up getting in a crash with one.
Thus, it helps to know how to drive safely around these trucks. What are some of the best pieces of advice you can follow?
Give trucks room and warning
The Roadway Safety Foundation examines how to safely share the road with trucks. First, be mindful of the fact that it takes a truck much longer to come to a stop. If you end up in front of one on the highway and get stuck in traffic, you want to give them plenty of warning that you are slowing down and may soon stop. If possible, try to get into another lane, though.
This is also true when you pass trucks. You want to do so quickly and safely. You should not drive directly next to or alongside a truck for any extended period of time. If they need to get into your lane, chances are high that they will not spot you, especially if you are in a smaller vehicle.
Beware of unintentional dangers
Note that trucks pose some dangers that they have no control over, too. For example, a truck can keep driving and safely reach the side of the road even if a tire blows out. But these tires are huge, and they can cause you a lot of damage if they blow out near your car.
In short, keep your distance where possible and be aware of the dangers a truck can pose. These are your best tools in keeping safe around them.