How can I safely drive with commercial trucks?

Motorists in Texas may find themselves driving alongside large commercial vehicles quite frequently. Knowing how to share the road with large trucks and buses is crucial in this case. While it’s up to truck drivers to operate their vehicles safely, drivers of passenger vehicles must also take the proper precautions. That’s why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers the following tips.

Don’t tailgate

Tailgating or riding too closely behind a vehicle is a bad habit in general. With big trucks, it’s extremely dangerous, as your vehicle may end up sliding underneath the truck in the event of a crash. There is also a risk that the truck may slide backward when on a hill. Keep a good distance between yourself and trucks at all times to prevent these accidents from occurring.

Stay out of blind spots

Trucks also have a number of blind spots due to their large size. Blind spots are in the front and back of trucks and on both sides. When you’re in a truck’s blind spot the driver will not be able to see you from his or her mirrors. Take steps to stay out of a trucks blind spot; if you can’t see the trucker in the vehicle’s mirror chances are you’re in a blind spot.

Give trucks room when turning

Due to the larger size of trucks and buses they often have to take turns wide. This can lead to an accident if drivers stop over the white line at a red light or try to pass between the truck and the curb. If you see a truck with its turn signal on while in the middle lane, give it enough room. If not you could be involved in a collision.