Around
Big Trucks: Never Argue with a Big Truck
 |
Ah!
The dangers of overconfidence. Daryl had been an over-the-road
truck driver for fifteen years. Still, on his weekend
trips in his car, he could not avoid the temptation of
slipping into the drafts of the large trucks on the highway
to take advantage of their fuel-conserving tug. He felt
no fear. He knew trucks. He knew what to look for, how
to react, how to anticipate. His bravado nearly did him
in when the rig he was tailgating suddenly braked violently
to avoid a slow moving car entering the highway. Daryl
survived this incident, but his cherished 1959 Chevrolet
convertible did not.
|
| According
to the National Institute for Highway Safety, about 5,000
people die annually in crashes involving large trucks. In
collisions between large trucks and cars, 98% of people
killed were in the car. To safely manage your encounters
with these behemoths: |
Avoid
Their Blind Spots
Because they sit so high, truck drivers may appear to have total
vision of the road. Instead, they have more blind spots than
ordinary drivers. They are called “No Zones” because
cars should avoid them. A big rig’s four blind spots are:
-
immediately
in front, sometimes as much as 20 feet if the truck has a
long hood.
-
on either side of the cab. The right side blind spot is especially
dangerous, because trucks like to swing into the right lanes
to avoid troubles in the road ahead.
-
up to 200 feet in the rear.
Remember: If you can’t see the driver of a truck in his
side mirror, he cannot see you, either. To be seen, pull ahead
or drop back.
-
Don’t cruise beside a truck for a long time, because
if the driver needs to change lanes quickly, he might not
know you’re there.
-
Keep your lights on in bad weather. It helps truck drivers
see you amidst the spray.
Pass
With Care
On two lane roads, blink your lights to let a driver know you
want to pass, whether it’s day or night. If he blinks
back, you can pass him safely. If he doesn’t blink back,
he is telling you it’s not safe to pass. Wait and try
again later.
-
If a truck driver behind you blinks his lights, he wants to
pass. Blink back and give him the time and room he needs.
-
If a truck approaches quickly on a steep downhill grade, pull
to the right and let him pass. He may have lost his braking
power.
-
When you pass a truck, wait until you are at least far enough
ahead to see its headlights in your rearview mirror before
you move back into the lane.
Proper
Spacing
Even on dry surfaces, trucks need twice as much stopping distance
as cars.
-
Cooperate with truckers by allowing plenty of safety cushion
for the truck. In heavy traffic leave room for a truck to
change lanes.
-
Give trucks enough room to turn, especially on the right side
for both left and right turns.
-
Do not tailgate a truck (or any other vehicle). If he stops
suddenly, you could find yourself wrapped around his rear
axle. Tailgating also blocks your view of the road ahead.
Rule of thumb: Stay 4-5 seconds behind a truck.
-
When you are following a truck, position your vehicle at the
side of the lane so you can be seen in the truck’s mirrors.
-
Another hazard of following a truck too closely is a tire
blowout and flying debris.
-
Be careful when you are behind a truck that has just entered
the highway; it takes longer for a truck to pick up speed.
-
If a trucker tailgates you or makes you angry, signal and
get out of the way. Don’t retaliate. It’s a losing
battle. Try to get some identification (safely) and report
the incident.
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