It is always important to drive defensively. But, the importance of this goes up significantly around large trucks. It is not uncommon for drivers to have anxiety around large trucks, 18 wheelers, and semi-trucks. You might think that getting away from them is your best option, but if you can learn to co-exist and drive safely around large trucks— you’ll be much better off than you would be by just risking it to get away and around them. It takes time, and better awareness— but every driver will be better for learning about defensive driving around large trucks.
Defensive Driving Around Large Trucks: Being Smart and Comfortable around Big Vehicles
Stay out of their blind spots
A good rule of thumb is this: if you can’t see them in their side mirrors, they probably can’t see you. Most people drive scared and impatient around large trucks, so it is not uncommon that they get cut off. You see it all the time on the road— and you probably do it every now and then. When this happens, they often have to slam on their brakes. If you’re hiding in their blind spot— they can’t consider your position. This makes it pretty easy to get into an accident. And it goes without saying that an accident with a tractor trailer, always leaves you in a worse position than them.
Don’t follow too closely
This is quite similar to staying out of blind spots, but it shouldn’t go without saying. If you are right up on their backside, they can’t accommodate for you. They can’t brake check you the same way a car would, or give you a warning of a coming stop. They don’t see you. Following anyone too closely is dangerous, but following a large truck has a few more implications. As we continue to say, they get cut off often. Therefore, they might hit their brakes often. If you’re not paying attention, right up on their rear, and they brake on a dime— I’m sure you can imagine where that leaves you.
Don’t cut them off
Trucks can’t stop on a dime like most passenger vehicles can. Merging sporadically in front of another vehicle is never advisable. But doing so in front of a truck puts you at great risk of being hit. They have a lot of weight behind that cab, and while they can hit their brakes— there is a chance of failure, but more frequently, they just can’t get stopped that quickly. You are always the loser when it comes to an accident with a tractor trailer. No matter who’s fault it is— you face the most serious danger.
Anticipate wide turns
No matter what side of the road you’re on in reference to the truck— anticipate the turn. One of the largest things to remember about defensive driving around large trucks is this. You must leave them room on all side to make a turn into their desired lane. Don’t get in their blind spot. Even if it won’t do so, anticipate for the trailer to swing a bit and for the truck to take up both lanes as they turn.
Signal early and give yourself space
If you plan to merge in front of a tractor trailer, signal as early as possible and make sure there is room. You want to give them ample time to slow down if need be and prepare for your merging. You want to have enough space to merge at the same speed you’ve been traveling at, and continue on. Merging over slowly and then hitting your brakes is a recipe for disaster. By signaling early, you prepare all traffic for your shift, and they can react accordingly.