Every day, millions of motor vehicles share the road with big rigs in Texas. While these trucks play a vital role in our economy, they can also be dangerous when not operated safely or when other road users fail to take proper precautions. Therefore, whether you’re a motorist, motorcyclist or cyclist, it’s crucial to understand how to share the road with big rigs safely.
Avoid tailgating
Usually, it’s not wise to tailgate any vehicle, but this is especially true for big rigs. For one thing, trucks have larger blind spots than most other vehicles, so tailgating them significantly increases your risk of being in a motor vehicle accident. Additionally, trucks take longer to stop than smaller vehicles, so if the truck driver has to brake suddenly, you could easily rear-end them.
Thirdly, if a truck is carrying a load that extends beyond the back of the cab, tailgating could result in your vehicle getting caught under the load in the event of a jackknife accident.
Don’t cut off trucks
When passing a big rig, make sure you give yourself plenty of room to get back in front of them before cutting in. It’s also essential to ensure you’re not weaving in and out of traffic, as this can make it difficult for the truck driver to predict your movements.
Use your signals and be aware of wide turns
Always use your turn signal when changing lanes to let the truck driver know what you’re doing. It’s also a good idea to check your mirrors and be aware of their blind spots before changing lanes, as trucks have large blind spots on both sides.
Trucks need a larger turning radius than other vehicles, so when making a turn, be aware that they may swing wide. In addition, a wider arch is necessary, especially for right turns, as the trailer often has to swing out to the left to clear the curb.
In the end, sharing the road with big rigs is about being aware of their size and limitations. If you take the time to understand how to share the road with them safely, you’ll be much less likely to get into an accident.
