Driving around a slow-moving truck can be nerve-wracking. Not only are they the biggest vehicle on the road, but there’s also a chance you’ll move into their blindspot, increasing the risk of accidents. If you want to maneuver around a semi successfully, you’ll need to drive safely.
Truck Accidents Can Result in Severe Injuries
In a semi-truck vs. passenger car collision, the people in the smaller vehicle are more likely to be severely injured or fatally wounded. Semi-truck and tractor-trailer accidents aren’t a joke, so if you’ve been in one recently and you live in Pennsylvania, contact a truck accident attorney.
If the big rig driver caused the crash, a truck accident lawyer can represent you in a personal injury lawsuit. This is important as the average cost of treatment after a truck accident is $70,000. If you can’t work, a settlement can help you recoup lost wages and medical costs.
How to Drive Safely Around Slow-Moving Semi-Trucks
When overtaking a truck, you have to be very careful. As trucks don’t have the same visibility or maneuverability, they can’t stop, turn, or react as quickly to darting cars and aggressive driving.
1. Stay Focused and Clear-Headed
This tip applies to all driving, but especially when overtaking a semi-truck. Distracted drivers put everyone in danger, so don’t take your eyes off the road and your hands off the steering wheel. Always wear a seatbelt and never drive drowsy or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Remember that you’re putting your own life at risk when you commit a driving violation. If you’re focused, you can react to other drivers on the road and prevent an injury or fatal accident.
2. Create Distance and Watch for Turns
Depending on the size of the road, you may need to wait a while before you can overtake a truck. While you wait, be sure to keep a 4-second stopping distance between you and the truck. This gives you enough time to react to rollovers, blowouts, or sudden/unpredictable braking.
Do not attempt to pass a truck when the driver has their turn signal on. Trucks need more space to turn, and their trailer could hit you if you’re in the middle of the lane before they finish turning.
3. Be Patient and Wait for an Opening
Commercial truck drivers typically use cruise control or other regulating devices when driving, as they need to follow strict operating rules. They won’t speed up if you honk, swerve, or ride their bumper. More likely, you’ll put yourself in danger by performing these unsafe driving acts.
Instead of getting frustrated, wait patiently. If you’re driving on a 1-lane highway, wait for the road to merge before you overtake them. Don’t drive on the grass or pass in a turning lane.
4. Practice Using Your Turn Signal
Although proper use of your turn signal is essential for passing your driver’s test, 57% of drivers in a 2006 study admitted they never use their signals. Improper signal use is dangerous when two cars are interacting, but when you’re overtaking a truck, you could literally lose your life.
Turn your turn signal on and give the truck driver 30 seconds to a minute before you start merging. Never turn your signal on as you merge or directly before you change lanes.
5. Avoid Blind Spots While Passing
When you have enough room to pass and the truck is aware you’re turning, overtake the truck by speeding up. Do not sit in one of the truck’s blind spots. These spots include 20 feet in front, 30 feet in the back, two lanes wide on the right side, and one lane wide on the driver’s side.
Don’t merge back into the truck’s lane until you’re at least 30 to 40 feet ahead of it. If you merge too close, the driver may slam on their breaks and endanger the other drivers behind them.
