Have you ever found yourself driving next to a gigantic truck on the highway and felt a little nervous? You’re not alone. Those massive vehicles can be a bit intimidating to share the road with.
But, with a little know-how and some cautious driving, you can navigate around these big rigs safely.
To give you an idea, here are some common mistakes you should steer clear of when cruising alongside those colossal trucks. However, if you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it’s essential to consult with an experienced attorney to help you maximize your truck accident settlement. Or else, you might need a Houston trucking accident law firm to help you out.
Ignoring Blind Spots
Imagine if you had invisible areas around your car where you couldn’t see other vehicles. Well, that’s exactly what big trucks have—these invisible spots called “blind spots” or “no-zones.” They’re like the truck’s secret hideaway where they can’t see you.
If you find yourself hanging out in these blind spots, you might suddenly disappear from the truck driver’s view. And that’s when problems can arise, especially when the truck needs to change lanes or make a turn.
So, remember this little trick: “If you can’t spot the truck driver’s face in their side mirror, they can’t spot you either!”
Cutting Too Close
You know that urge to tailgate a big truck, thinking it’ll get you to your destination faster? Well, think again. Those behemoths take more time to stop due to their heavy weight. And if they slam the brakes unexpectedly, it’s like a mini-earthquake on the road.
So, make a habit of keeping a good distance—about four seconds’ worth—between you and the truck in front. This cushion gives you plenty of room to react if the truck suddenly slows down.
Failing to Signal
Picture this: you’re driving alongside a big rig, minding your own business, when suddenly it starts merging into your lane without warning. Not a fun scenario, right?
Well, this is why turn or hand signals are like little magic wands on the road. When you’re near a big truck, give those signals a workout. Let them know when you’re planning to merge, change lanes, or make a turn. Truck drivers appreciate the heads-up because they need a little extra time to react.
So, be kind and share your intentions—it’s like a friendly wave to your fellow drivers.
Passing Unsafely
Passing a truck requires some planning and patience. Don’t be that driver who zooms past a truck just to squeeze back in front abruptly. It’s like cutting in line at the grocery store—it won’t win you any friends.
When you decide to pass, signal your intentions, accelerate smoothly, and only merge back when you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror. And remember, staring down a truck’s grill in your side mirror isn’t fun for anyone, so pass with caution.
Misjudging Turns
Ever seen a truck make a turn and thought, “Wow, they need a whole football field to make that happen!” Well, it’s not far from the truth.
Those long trailers need extra space to make turns without flattening curbs, cars, or pedestrians. If you get caught in the no-man’s-land between a turning truck and the curb, things can get messy. When a truck makes a right turn, it often swings left first to give itself enough space.
So, be a considerate driver and give trucks plenty of room when they’re making those wide turns.
