Safety Advice

Avoid Trucker's Blind Spots When Driving

Passenger vehicle operators — not truck drivers — cause approximately 70 percent of all fatal crashes involving a car and commercial truck, according to federal government statistics. Most accidents are the result of an unsafe driving act, such as following a truck too closely or lingering in its blind spot.

The following precautions will help you safely share the road with large trucks:

• Beware of blind spots. Approximately 35 percent of truck-related auto fatalities occur in a truck's blind spots. Tractor trailers have very large blind spots — as much as 30 feet behind the truck. Always try to pass on the left side; the blind spot on the right side is much larger (running the length of the truck and extending out nearly three lanes.)
• Stay back. When following a truck, try to maintain a distance of 20 to 25 car lengths. Driving too closely behind a truck gives you little or no time to react to changing conditions.
• When passing a truck, do not loiter in the blind spot. Before moving back into the truck's lane, be sure you can see its headlights in your rearview mirror. Most fully-loaded semi trucks driving at highway speeds need 100 yards — that's the length of one football field — to come to a safe stop. Leave them plenty of space.

Many car-truck accidents occur during and right after rain storms. During the summer thunderstorm season the National Traffic Safety Board says to remember that when roads become wet you must slow down, turn on your lights, and maintain a safe distance between you and any other vehicle. If your tires start to hydroplane, take your foot off the accelerator (if manual transmission, engage the clutch) and don't slam on your brakes.

What is written here is not legal advice.  You should consult your attorney before applying any of this information to a specific situation.