There are more to follow when driving around trucks as a car driver

One of the most common vehicles that are connected with accidents is cars. But compared to that to the real kings of the road, most injuries aren’t as fatal.

The real dangers of the road are the big, heavy, and long trucks that occupy the roads and highways every single day. Just the massive size of its wheels is enough to damage a typical car in just one go.

That’s why if you’re a truck driver, you need to take massive care every time you go out and start driving. While if you’re the typical car owner, you will need to be more than just generous on the road if you want to share the road safely with truckers.

The real dangers of the road are the big, heavy, and long trucks that occupy the roads and highways every single day

But how exactly can one “share the road” with humongous and loaded trucks in the safest way possible? Is there a secret technique to do this that you need to know about?

That’s what we’ll be talking about today in this article from Philkotse.com. Driving around eventually exposes you to drive on the same road as massive trucks. That’s why learning to drive safely around them is the knowledge that every driver needs to have.

1. Stay clear from the truck’s blind spots

Trucks are usually big, long, and take up a lot of area on the road. This is the reason why trucks have a lot of blind spots. They have blind spots on the front, the rear ad even the sides. These areas are where the driver can’t see anything.

So, if you stay too close to the truck’s front, the rear bumper, or the right front bumper, you can get caught in a gruesome accident.

The driver will also not see you if you drive too close behind or too close to any of the mentioned blind spots. Try to keep your distance by allowing ample space between you and the truck. This will make you more visible to the truck driver.

Trucks are usually big, long, and take up a lot of area on the road, that's why trucks have a lot of blind spots

There is a trick that some drivers use to know if they are out of the truck driver’s blind spot. If you’re driving behind the truck and you could still see the driver in the truck’s side-view mirror, that means he can still see you.

If you’re driving at the front of the truck and you could see its windshield on your rearview mirror, that means the driver can see you. This is why it’s better to be farther from the truck, so the driver doesn’t have too much trouble avoiding you.

There are so many things you need to know when driving around trucks

>>> Grab your attention: 

• Blind spot detection and warning system: Better to know!
• What is a blind spot in driving & How to remove blind spots on your car

2. Don’t cut the truck at the front

Trucks are big and long for a reason, and it’s not just to make driving harder for you. Most transport trucks carry a lot of heavy loads that are traveled from very far distances. Just like any vehicle, it will take a bigger, heavier vehicle more time to slow down, much more to stop.

That’s why as much as possible, you should never cut in front of a truck. You’d be lucky if the truck stops in time and avoid crushing you and your vehicle.

Because if the driver got distracted even for just a second while you’re attempting to cut in front, he might not be able to slow down and stop the truck in time. This could end up in a very disastrous event, so always keep this warning in mind.

You should never cut in front of a truck

3. Give bigger trucks more space

A truck that bears signs like “Caution: Long Vehicle,” “Oversized Load” or similar, will usually carry just what their warning explains. These vehicles may carry one or two trailers and have tons of blind spots.

These types of trucks also travel slowly to avoid disrupting the load and shifting their weight. So, if you’ve ever come across these types of vehicles, it’s best that you keep your cool and stay very patient.

After all, it’s better to be safe and late than be in an accident! Plus, you can even get to see some cool stuff being transported on the back of the truck.

It’s best that you keep your cool and stay very patient

>>> You also want to read: Safe driving: 7 tips on how to stay safe around trucks

4. Stay out of their turning space

Long trucks, especially those that carry extra heavy loads, require more room for turns. When turning, whether it’s left or right, they may require to swing their load into the other lane.

Some motorists may mistake that the other lane is available for them to pass through. This space, however, is only temporary because the trailer may still end up occupying them.

If you’re one of the unlucky vehicles who decide to pass through, you may get in the squeeze as the truck turns into a curb.

Long trucks, especially those that carry extra heavy loads, require more room for turns

5. Tune into turbulence

Even with your seatbelts fastened and windows shut close, there is still a chance for you to catch some “wind.”

Large transport trucks that are in motion can create strong wind currents and big changes in the air pressure. If you stay too close to the truck, your driving may end up getting thrown off by its turbulence.

If you stay too close to the truck, your driving may end up getting thrown off by its turbulence

The situation could get worse if the weather left a slippery road for you and the truck driver to drive on. If you ever find yourself driving too close to a truck, you need to keep a firm hold on your steering wheel.

Also, make sure you have two hands on it. If anything happens, you will be able to come up with a quick decision that can save you and your passengers.

>>> Read more: Safe driving: Annoying and dangerous things on the road you might face.

6. Let them know what you plan to do

Since we already know that the driver needs a lot of time to slow down and stop, you need to let them know what you’re up to way before you do it.

Also, keep in mind that the truck driver has a restricted view of his surroundings. Always use your turn signals, so truck drivers have time to react to your actions.