Semi trucks are much larger, heavier and not very maneuverable compared to small cars, thus posing a significant danger on the road. Adapting to the fact that most roads are now used by large vehicles.
It becomes essential to know tips for driving around semi trucks safely to avoid unfortunate incidents that may occur when people fail to observe the necessary precautions. Below are some guidelines that can be checked when circumventing or operating in the vicinity of a semi truck.
Article Summary
Understanding Semi Truck Driving Tips
Semi trucks should therefore be understood by individuals who plan to use them for the intended purposes, or for tasks that are almost similar to the ones they are meant for, as well as by manufacturers so they can know the areas that may require extra reinforcement.
Braking Distance
While driving close to the semi-truck, they have a longer braking time. In other words, a semi truck cannot decelerate to a complete and safe stop, without using a larger distance from the point when compared to most other automobile types, including cars and small vehicles.
This is because of their heavy weight which may extend to 80000 pounds in the case of fully laden trucks. Applying the above measures, in order to avoid getting a tragic end like Lane Green. It is wise to keep a safe distance of 4-5 seconds behind a truck.
This buffer prevents endangering the lives of other road users by enabling you to apply appropriate actions if the truck suddenly decides to stop.
Blind Spots
Trucks especially Semi-trucks are notorious for having large blind areas called the No-Zone Areas. These are some areas surrounding the truck that the driver of the truck cannot see well or at all.
Supplier Operator Safe Driver stated that the areas that are most blind areas are the back end of the truck, the lateral side of the vehicle and right side of the truck; frontal adjacent to the truck cab.
It is important always to minimize the amount of time that one spends in these areas so that he does not become a victim of an accident. A saying that I’ve heard is, If the truck driver cannot see you in their side mirror, then you cannot see the driver. ’
Maneuverability
Trucks are not very flexible due to their large size in that turning and changing lanes might prove difficult at times. Heavy-duty vehicles need wider space for the maneuvers, particularly right-turning U-turns, which involve first moving left to prevent touching curbs or other approaching vehicles.
Allow trucks adequate space to turn or move around and do not overemphasise or take overly long during times of maneuvering at blind corners or at junctions.
Maintaining Safe Distances
Following Distance
Always maintain a safe following distance when driving behind a semi truck. A truck accident attorney in Albuquerque relayed that tailgating a truck not only puts you in a blind spot but also increases the risk of a collision if the truck stops suddenly
Maintain a clearance distance of approximately four to five seconds while overtaking a vehicle or in slow-moving traffic. This distance is convenient in that one can have a close view of what is ahead on the road, and take the necessary precautions in case of an obstacle.
Cutting in Front
Passing in front of a semi truck is very risky because the side of the car may be scraped off. Lorries take longer to start slowing down, and if you position yourself too closely to the lorry, the driver might not have sufficient time to apply the brakes, which will make an extremely dangerous crash occur.
From the Utah Department of Transportation, an ordinary car that is traveling at 65 miles per hour as would a streaker requires 316 feet to come to a stand still; that is one football field. 65 mph means that it will take a semi truck approximately 525 feet to halt, this is almost two full football pitches.
The trucks usually have large blind spots in their front where drivers cannot see and therefore when merging or changing lanes in front of the truck ensure that you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror before making the move. This will help you have enough room and time to be able to avert a crash.
Safe Passing Techniques
Appropriate Passing
When overtaking a semi truck, do so legally and as quick as drive carefully possible. Overtake the truck slowly; give a signal to overtake, accelerate gently and spend no more time in the area that the truck driver cannot see.
Overtaking on the left is widely considered to be safer because your blind zone is bigger in front right. Again, make sure there is enough room to maneuver through and back to your lane if necessary.
Returning to Lane
As a rule, drivers after overtaking a semi-truck, look back, and make sure the truck is out of sight before moving back to the lane. This makes you avoid getting to a position where you are in close range with the offender.
Do not cut it back too much, because the truck driver will require some seconds to slow down the vehicle and also ensure adequate space behind the car in front of their truck.
Awareness of Road Conditions
Weather Conditions
Road conditions, slope and visibility can also be affected by weather a lot causing issues with handling a semi truck. Precipitation is wetness in the form of rain, snow, fog and ice, while the friction is the resistive force which provides grip and reduces the stopping distances for maneuvering trucks.
If the weather is not favorable, make sure to follow other cars by a larger gap, and drive more carefully. I need to avoid changing the lane suddenly and hard braking, as they are much more risky in bad weather conditions.
For instance, the forceful gusting of wind poses some significant danger in relation to semi trucks, upsetting their stability and even potentially flipping them over if they are, say, empty or lightly packed. If you notice the truck bouncing in strong winds, then stay farther and expect the truck to change directions with forces.
For instance, a truck with delicate goods can be blown by gusty winds during a storm leading to its overturning, and act as a rough spot on the road. In such circumstances, leave a safe distance and be very particular of any change in movement of the truck or trailer.
Road Hazards
Realize that there are certain factors that can affect the semi truck operation this includes objects which are thrown on the road, potholes or damaged pavement. These barriers can push a truck off the road or allow control to slip out of the driver’s hands.
In case you come across one that is reversing or moving in a zigzag manner due to another road obstacle, it is advisable to slow down then offer the truck enough space to clear the obstacle efficiently.
Communication and Predictability
Using Signals
The big issue of visibility arises when driving close to semi trucks in that there needs to be clear indication to the drivers. In addition, it is critical to always use your turn signals to show intention of changes in lanes appropriately ahead of time.
This allows other drivers especially those in trucks to gauge your movements and intimate them if ever you are planning to change your direction of movement on the road.
On the other hand, look for the feelings from the truck side. When a truck is indicating to change or turn in a lane, do not position yourself close to it to force it to move out and cause an accident.
This is a practice that should not be done before getting over because if one accelerates in any blind areas it will be very difficult to avoid an accident.
Predictable Driving
Adhering a constant speed and avoiding tipsy driving are the essential aspects in the sphere of proper road behavior. Lumbar punches, powerful knocks, sharp turns, and attempts to take over lanes are dangerous when dealing with a semi-truck.
Safe driving makes it easier for the other drivers, especially the truck drivers, to constantly assess the distance and the probability of an incident, and act accordingly towards your actions.
Emergency Situations
In case of any emergencies, especially on the trucks such as a blowout of the tire, should be handled carefully and with a lot of courtesy. It may lead to swerving or out of control movements of the loaded or empty trailer part because of the explosion and also debris from the tire can be dangerous.
Handling Truck Emergencies
If you experience a semi truck tire blowout, do not pull over immediately – move to the side of the road and stay approximately 500 feet back from the semi. Begin backing up the truck and let it gain control and drive around avoiding any obstacles or debris on the ground. In case you have a blowout or get too close to a semi-truck, do not let your guard down.
Reporting Issues
If you face any situations where semi trucks are involved in unsafe driving, or any kind of emergencies, do not hesitate to call the police.
Giving specific information like the number on the truck’s plate, location and details of the driver’s behavior can yield preventing accidental circumstances.
Staying Safe
In short, driving safely around semi-trucks involves averting attention, patience and admiring the problems such vehicles raise. Some of the responsible driving practices that you can exhibit are as follows:
Staying farther away from the next car and keeping a clear communication, being conscious of the road conditions and other incidents, one can help to make roads safer for all drivers. Pass the following ideas to other people in order to enhance road safety and drop the likelihood of incidence involving semi trucks.
