12 Safety Tips for Sharing the Road With Large Trucks

12 Safety Tips for Sharing the Road With Large Trucks. Large trucks are a common sight on our roads, and they
play an essential role in society by transporting goods across the country. However, sharing the road with these
vehicles can be challenging, and accidents involving large trucks can be devastating. Burger
Law is made up of experienced St. Louis truck accident
lawyers who get maximum compensation for those injured in Missouri. The best way to avoid the
need for a lawyer? Practice proper safety protocols when driving around large trucks.

If you’ve been hurt by another’s negligence in a truck accident, or any other kind of injury case, speak to personal injury lawyer today by calling us at
(314) 500-HURT or by filling out our online contact form.

Why Do I Need to Drive Different Around Large Trucks?

Large trucks, also known as tractor-trailers or semis, are much larger and heavier than passenger cars and require
more space to maneuver. Large trucks also have larger blind spots, longer stopping distances and wider turning
radiuses than passenger cars. This means that, even if a truck driver is doing everything right, you could still get
in a truck accident if you don’t drive more carefully around trucks.

Sharing the road safely with large trucks is crucial for your safety and the safety of the truck driver and other
motorists. Large trucks are involved in a significant number of accidents on our roads, and these accidents can
cause much more catastrophic damage than typical car accidents. By following safety tips for sharing the road with
large trucks, you can reduce your risk of being involved in an accident.

12 Safety Tips for Sharing the Road with Large Trucks

1. Keep Your Distance

Large trucks require more space to maneuver than passenger cars. To avoid accidents, it’s essential to keep a safe
distance between your vehicle and a large truck. Experts recommend that you maintain a distance of at least 20 car lengths or
four seconds behind a large truck.

2. Avoid Blind Spots

Large trucks have larger blind spots than passenger cars.
These blind spots are also known as “no-zones” and are areas around the truck where the driver’s visibility is
limited. Avoid driving in a truck’s blind spots, which are located on both sides of the truck and directly behind
the truck.

3. Pass Safely

When passing a large truck, it’s essential to do so safely. Pass on the left side of the truck, where the driver has
the best visibility, and avoid passing on the right side. Make sure that you can see the truck’s headlights in your
rearview mirror before merging back into the lane.

4. Use Signals and Brake Lights

Large trucks require more time and distance to stop than passenger cars.
To avoid accidents, it’s essential to use your signals and brake lights when driving near a large truck. Signaling
your intention to change lanes or merge can help the truck driver anticipate your actions and adjust their driving
accordingly.

5. Be Patient

Large trucks often move slower than passenger cars, especially on hills and steep grades. It’s essential to exercise
patience when sharing the road with large trucks and avoid aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating or
sudden lane changes. Remember that a large truck driver may not be able to see you, and sudden maneuvers can cause
accidents. Exercise patience, maintain a safe distance, and wait for the right opportunity to pass safely.

6. Watch for Wide Turns

Large trucks have a wider turning radius than passenger cars. When a truck driver is making a turn, they may need to
use more than one lane to complete the turn safely. Watch for signals from the truck driver and give them plenty of
space to make the turn.

7. Yield to Larger Vehicles

Large trucks have the right of way when merging into traffic, and it’s essential to yield to them when entering the
highway or changing lanes. When merging, make sure to use your signals, accelerate to match the speed of traffic,
and merge safely.

8. Keep Your Vehicle in Good Condition

Maintaining your vehicle is crucial for safe driving, especially when sharing the road with large trucks. Make sure
that your brakes, tires, lights and mirrors are in good condition before driving on the highway. Regular vehicle
maintenance can help prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road.

9. Do Not Cut Off a Large Truck

Cutting off a large truck is dangerous and can result in a severe accident. Large trucks require more time and
distance to stop than passenger cars, and cutting in front of them can cause the driver to slam on their brakes or
swerve out of the way.

10. Never Drive Distracted or Impaired

Distracted or impaired driving is dangerous and can lead to accidents involving large trucks. Avoid using your phone,
eating or engaging in other distracting activities while driving. Never drive under the influence of drugs or
alcohol.

11. Account for Weather Conditions

Driving in bad weather can be challenging, especially when sharing the road with large trucks. Rain, snow and ice can
reduce visibility and make the road slippery. When driving in bad weather, slow down, increase your following
distance and use caution when passing large trucks.

12. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Emergencies can happen at any time, and it’s essential to be prepared when driving on the highway. Keep a first-aid
kit, emergency flares and a flashlight in your vehicle. If you’re involved in an accident or witness an accident,
call 911 and provide as much information as possible.

Missouri and Illinois Truck Accident Lawyers | Burger Law

Sharing the road with large trucks can be challenging, but following safety tips can help you stay safe while
driving. Burger Law has over 80 years of combined experience getting people who were injured through no fault of
their own the compensation they deserve. If the worst case scenario happens and you or a loved one is injured, trust
in Burger Law to deliver the results you need to recover. Call us today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free consultation.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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