Ask nearly any motorist what they hate most about driving, and in some order, you’ll probably hear storms, traffic and road construction. They slow you down, they stress you out, and they generally make the driving experience worse. However, for many drivers, semi trucks represent a similar break from serenity. They are large, they typically drive at different speeds than regular cars, and they are numerous. So how can you stay safe when you’re driving around semi trucks?
How to Stay Safe when Driving Around Semi Trucks
Avoid the Truck’s Blind Spots
All motorists know what a blind spot is — that unfortunate place where the driver ahead of you can’t see vehicles in certain positions. However, the nefarious aspect of blind spots is only enhanced when it applies to 18-wheelers. Trucks actually have two blind spots, one halfway back to the left, and another lesser-known one over the front right of the hood of the truck. If you are passing a truck, don’t linger in these zones, and try to pass in a hurry.
Allow Trucks to Merge
Because trucks are so large, they often have trouble sliding into traffic on congested highways. That’s why, when you see their blinkers light up, it’s really important that you allow them to move in on your lane. Trucks commonly will return the favor as well, since they don’t like to be a hazard any more than we do.
Read More: Safe Driving in Construction Zones
Be Patient as they Maneuver
Trucks could be likened to an elephant in a room, driving-wise, or maybe a bull in a china shop. It’s really choose-your-metaphor, but the point is this: they are huge, and they affect the movement of every single vehicle they are in close proximity to. That’s why we become impatient when they are parking or reversing, but getting feisty does absolutely nothing. Let them take care of business, and you’ll be on your way shortly.
Never Cut Off a Truck
In general, we can all agree that cutting off a person is a mean and deplorable thing that we would never, ever do. However, cutting off a truck isn’t just mean and deplorable, it’s downright dangerous. Trucks can take up to three times longer to stop than your average automobile, so if you pull in front of a truck and slow down or turn, you’re really playing with fire. Don’t do it.
So, now that the spring travel season is ramping up in the Phoenix area, you’ll take these safety tips to heart, right? We hope that you do, and that you’ll come see us soon at Avondale Nissan!
