Driving on the highways this summer? Here’s how to drive safely around trucks!
Truckers traverse the roads all year long; whether you are new or old to the road, it never hurts to brush up on how to drive safely around semis. Should you ever need trucking or storage services, Evan Transportation’s team can deliver your freight on time and find secure housing for your inventory in the Mid-Atlantic region. Follow these tips on driving safety around big trucks.
Drive Safely
It may seem like self-explanatory advice, but driving safely will help you maintain driving safety around big trucks. If you tend to speed, swerve past other vehicles, or follow closely behind other cars, avoid these tendencies and drive more cautiously than you would otherwise feel the need to around trucks. Use your turn signals well in advance and avoid making frequent lane changes.
Know the No-Go Zones
Semi-trucks have many blind spots at their front, sides, and back. Be aware of these blind spots; looking up a diagram of their blind spots can help them to stick in your mind. If you cannot see the driver from his side-view mirror, then the driver cannot see you from the side or back of his vehicle. Pass semi-trucks swiftly without speeding and do not linger beside them if possible.
Keep Your Distance
Semi-trucks need much more space to slow down than smaller vehicles. Allow for plenty of room behind you and in front of you for trucks. Many truckers could be troubled if a car pulls directly in front of them, not giving them space to brake in time. Staying directly behind a truck is also unsafe and keeps you in its blindspot.
Give Trucks the Right of Way
If a truck is trying to change lanes or you anticipate that it might, do not drive aggressively nor try to pass by it first. If you try to pass a truck and it misses you in its blind spot, you could end up being driven off the road by mistake. Give truckers the right of way when possible.
Watch out for Truck Light Signals
Watch out for truckers using their lights to signal to you and other drivers. Some signal meanings may be intuitive, but two light flashes may mean “Go ahead” or “Thank you for letting me through.” Hazard lights or multiple flashes could be a warning of upcoming traffic blockages.
For All Your Trucking Needs
Follow us here at Evan Transportation to get more updates on driving tips and the trucking industry. Evan Transportation provides trucking and transportation services for clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. All of our drivers and staff are offered competitive salaries and benefits and are guaranteed to be home every day. Interested in finding out more? Visit us online or give us a call at 443-673-3365. For even more information, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.