Be Cautious Around Those Big, Bad Trucks

By Simon
Driving Tips

Let's face it: An 18-wheeler can be a bit scary to share a fast-moving highway with. That's a lot of heavy-duty machinery rumbling just outside your window.

But check with your experienced driving instructor at Drive Rite Academy for tips on handling the big rigs. They can make it easier on you. And, in the meantime, here are some helpful pointers.

Remember to always be patient and aware of your surroundings. When a trucks about to move into your lane, resist your first instinct to speed up and cut it off. But a truck can't stop as fast as your car, so this move may place you in real danger. Take no chances.

Always pass a truck with extra care. Give it even more space then a normal car.

Watch out for those turns. A trucker may need to swing wide to the left to make a right-hand turn, so don't squeeze right behind the trucker. Be sure to give it enough room.

 

Very often, the problem is not with the trucker. They are usually highly trained professionals, but it may be with the sheer size of the truck itself. Your 2-ton auto is no match for a 40-ton semi.

Because of their weight, big trucks take longer to stop. Don't bob and weave among big trucks; they can't stop as fast as you would like them to.

Big trucks also have a  lot of "blind spots" where accidents are likely to happen. These are zones where you can disappear from a trucker's line of sight. Never good. If you can't see the trucker's face, assume he can't see you. 

And then there's bad weather conditions. Big trucks are great splashers of water, mud, sleet and snow. Getting a dollop of mush on your windshield unexpectedly is not good. During this type of weather, stay even further away from the big rigs.

 

Lessons on advanced skills can be taken through Drive Rite Academy in our Pass Plus Courses

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