Driving around large trucks can be a difficult and stressful driving situation. When driving around a truck, it is important to remember that the trucker driving the truck may not be able to see you in their mirrors.
This means that they are driving blind when pulling out or turning right on red. This blog post will go over some tips for driving around large trucks so both you and the driver of the truck can get home safely!
Stay back from the truck's rear bumper
One of the best things that you can do when driving around a large truck is to stay back from the truck's rear bumper. This allows you ample driving room to avoid getting hit if they have to stop short.
It also keeps you further away from their blind spot, giving them more time and distance to see you before changing lanes or turning right on red.
However, there are instances wherein no matter how careful you are in keeping your distance, you may still encounter an accident involving a truck.
A seasoned semi-trailer truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles suggests that if you find yourself involved in a road mishap with a truck, make sure to get in touch with a lawyer immediately. In this way, you will increase your chances of being compensated according to California laws.
Stay in your lane when driving around a large truck
When driving around a large truck, you must stay in your lane. If the truck pulls into your driving lane and blocks your path, do not try to cut him off or speed past them as they are driving blind too.
Instead, slow down gradually until he moves back over so you can pass by safely.
Do not tailgate a large truck
Tailgating a large truck is dangerous, not only for you but also for the people driving behind your car. If the driver of the large truck feels pressured to get out of your way or speed up due to being tailgated by another vehicle, they are more likely to make an unsafe driving decision where everyone on the road suffers from their driving mistakes.
If you find yourself driving behind a large truck, simply stay in your lane and let them pull ahead so they can see you before changing lanes or turning right on red.
If the driver of the truck does not notice that there is another vehicle driving closely behind them, try using your horn to alert them for their attention. They may be driving blind and do not notice you driving behind them.
Bobtailing trucks is something that you should watch out for when driving because it can be deadly and cause a serious accident. Not sure what they are? Read all about what is bobtailing and why you should be aware of it.
Be wary of driving around a large truck on hills or mountains
When driving around a large truck, be sure to be aware that they may have trouble stopping as quickly on hills or mountains due to the gear changes required for such driving situations.
This means that it is important to stay further away from their driving lanes and allow them to pull ahead on hills or mountains so you can safely pass by until they have moved back over.
If the truck is driving slowly up a hill, be sure not to speed past them as there is a chance that they will not be able to get out of your way in time.
Allow the driver driving the truck to decide when they are driving slowly due to their driving conditions so you can safely pass them by.
Avoid driving around a large truck in icy or snowy weather
Many drivers have trouble seeing trucks during snow and ice storms. If there is snow, slush, sleet, rain, mud or any other hazardous driving condition that makes driving difficult, driving around a large truck is far too dangerous.
Instead of trying to pass them when driving conditions are bad, simply stay back and allow the driver driving the truck enough time to move out of your way when it's safe for you to continue driving on the road again.
Avoid driving next to a large truck whenever possible
Driving next to a large truck in your driving lane is dangerous. Not only do they have a wider blind spot than most other vehicles, but also their rear-view mirrors are blocked by the size of their cargo compartments and trailers.
If you must pass them or change lanes when driving next to these trucks, be sure that you follow all safety precautions before driving closer to them. If you're following a row of cars that are all waiting for an opportunity to pass, just wait your turn – it's not worth trying to squeeze in front of someone else and risking an accident because you're impatient.
Keep in mind that trucks are much larger than cars, so they need more room when turning corners and backing up. If you're following a row of cars waiting to pass, just wait your turn – it's not worth risking an accident by trying to squeeze between two other drivers because you feel impatient.
Remember these tips the next time you find yourself stuck behind one of our big rigs on the road!
