5 Tips for Staying Safe When Sharing the Road with Semi-Trailers

Sharing the road with semi-trailers can be daunting. Because of the size and weight of 18-wheelers, they are more difficult to maneuver and stop than passenger vehicles and can trigger issues leading to accidents and property damage.

 

The owner of an automobile will get the short end of the stick if in a crash with a tractor-trailer. Although there is no way to completely eliminate risks, that does not necessarily mean there are no strategies to reduce those risks.

 

If you would rather not have to hire a truck accident attorney after vehicular mayhem, here are five tips that’ll help you feel safe sharing the roads with large commercial trucks.

 

  1. Drive Carefully in Front of a Semi-Truck

 

One of the most hazardous places to be on the highway is in front of a semi-truck. If you suddenly brake, it will take a big rig longer to stop. 

 

Never slam on the brakes when driving in front of a semi-truck unless absolutely necessary, and slow down gradually so the truck driver has a chance to respond. You should also avoid tailgating since doing so will drive up the risk of rear-ending a much larger vehicle.

 

  1. Use Your Turn Signals Properly

 

When changing lanes, you must signal early enough so that the truck driver can respond appropriately in time. This is particularly helpful on multi-lane freeways or congested streets where vehicle volume and congestion can complicate things.

 

It’s also important to signal early when you’re merging into traffic or making turns. Semi-trailers require a wider turning radius, so if you’re turning left or right, give the truck extra space to maneuver. In some cases, large trucks need to swing wide to make turns, which can result in them temporarily occupying multiple lanes. Be patient and wait for them to complete their turn.

 

  1. Know Your Blind Spots

 

Tractor-trailers have huge blind spots. If you can’t see the truck’s side mirrors, the truck driver likely can’t see you.

 

Always pass semis as quickly as possible if you are on the highway. If you have to follow a semi-trailer for many miles, stay in a position where you’ll remain in the truck driver’s line of sight. 

 

If you’re driving in the right lane and need to pass a truck, speed up slightly to get ahead of it quickly. Avoid staying in the blind spot for more than a few seconds.

 

  1. Understand Trucker Signaling Behavior

 

You also must get used to the signaling behavior of truckers. Semi-trucks have, in addition to the types of lights on passenger vehicles, things like side markers and reflective tape that allow other drivers to better see where the truck is. That’s particularly useful at night or in poor weather conditions when the risks for accidents can climb. 

 

If, for instance, you see the brake light of the truck flashing or the turn signal on, then it is quite evident that the driver will be stopping or turning.

 

  1. Give Semi-Trailers Enough Space

 

Semi-trailers require extra time to slow down and speed up. That is why tailgating is such a bad idea. If you throw caution to the wind and tailgate an 18-wheeler, you may have trouble responding on time if the truck driver slams on the brakes.

 

Put sufficient distance between you and any vehicle on the road so that there’s enough time to stop or make evasive maneuvers.

 

Semi-trailers require more attention due to their size and weight. By considering the abovementioned safety tips, you can help reduce the possibility of collisions. 

 

If you’re a driver, you’ll have to get used to sharing the road and highway with tractor-trailers. Knowing how to do so safely will keep you and others safe.