How can I drive safely around trucks?

Getting into any kind of automobile accident has a level of risk, but if the other vehicle involved in the accident is a semi truck the risk of injury or death is high. Understanding how to maneuver around these highway behemoths is a necessity for safe driving.

Fortunately, it does not take long to acclimate. There are some simple things that you can do to ensure your safety around semi trucks. As per the US Department of Transportation, make sure that you stay out of a semi truck’s “no zones” and always give a semi truck a lot of space when it is turning.

Defining “no zones”

Essentially, “no zones” refers to areas around a semi truck where you should not be driving. Trucks have extremely large blind spots. It is vital that you ensure that you place your car in an area where the driver of the semi truck can clearly see you. A good rule to remember is that if you cannot see the side mirrors of a semi truck, it is unlikely that the driver of the semi truck can see you.

Of course, if you are passing a semi-truck you will be in a no zone for a short period of time and this is unavoidable. Just make sure that you do not stay in a truck’s no zone for longer than absolutely necessary.

Giving space

Due to the build of semi trucks, they need more room to turn. You should absolutely never try to squeeze by a turning semi truck or put your car between the truck and the curb. Make sure that when you stop in front of an intersection, you do not stop in front of the line. Doing so can result in a semi truck hitting you since you may be in its turning radius.