As a Texas motorist, you no doubt encounter your fair share of large commercial trucks when traversing the state’s many highways. While it’s up to truck drivers to ensure they are following the rules of the road, there are also steps you can take to keep safety a top priority. This may not always prevent accidents from occurring, but is important to reduce the risk of a serious injury.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, drivers of passenger vehicles must make certain considerations when navigating around larger vehicles. Being aware of blind spots is crucial in this case, as there are a number of areas around a large truck where the driver will be unable to spot other vehicles. In general, vehicles should steer clear of the areas directly in front of and behind trucks, as well as areas on either side. You can determine whether a truck driver can see you by looking at the side view mirror. If you can’t see the driver, you can safely assume he or she can’t see your vehicle.
It’s also recommended that passenger vehicles provide larger trucks with a wide berth when passing in front. It takes a lot more room for a truck to come to a full stop, and if you cut in too quickly a collision can easily occur. Additionally, you may find yourself inadvertently in a truck’s blind spot, which can lead to disaster.
Trucks must also make turns carefully due to their large size, which can lead to confusion among other drivers. In this case, a truck that is attempting to make a turn is going to need a lot more room to do so than your average vehicle. Always exercise caution in this case, and never try to squeeze in between a turning truck and the curb in order to make your turn.