Young Drivers Vs Truckers

If you’re a new driver, then chances are you haven’t gained much experience in sharing the road with truckers. You may not realize that driving around an 18-wheeler is different than driving around other vehicles. If so, then this quick rundown on safe driving techniques is for you:

Mind Wide Turns. Large trucks make wide turns, and must swing left before making a right turn, or swing right before making a left turn. So, watch their turn signals and give them plenty of room to maneuver, and never drive between a turning truck and the curb or your car will get stuck.

Avoid Blind Spots. If you can’t see the driver, then the driver can’t see you. If you are driving along the left or right side of a truck, then make sure you can see the driver in the side mirror. If you can’t see them, then slow down or speed up immediately to get out of their blind spot.

Don’t Tailgate. If you drive too close to a large truck, then you won’t be able to see what is happening down the road, and the trucker won’t be able to see you at all. If, for any reason, the truck should need to stop quickly then you are likely to run right into their rear end. Or, if you decide to switch lanes then you will be emerging from a blind spot into a blind spot, which means that if the trucker switches lanes you are likely to get hit. Also, many trucks haul trash, dirt, trees and other debris that could fly out and damage your vehicle.

Don’t Cut Off. It is extremely dangerous to cut off a truck in traffic. It takes a large tuck considerably more time and distance to stop, meaning that your life will be at risk if you must slow down because of traffic or road hazards.

Be Predictable. Make life a little easier for the working trucker by driving like a sane, predictable person. Maintain a constant speed, use your blinkers with plenty of signal time, and slow down gradually, giving others on the road plenty of time to react.

Be Alert. Avoid distractions such as texting or talking on the phone, keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Since trucks can’t stop as quickly as cars, any mistakes you make will become more fatal if you are on the same road as a truck.

Be Considerate. People driving trucks and buses are at work. They are there because it is their job. They are not there to make your life more difficult, in fact, just the opposite. Bus drivers are transporting people where they need and want to go. Truckers are delivering the goods that everyone needs and wants to buy. They are all there to make your life easier, so show some respect.