City Driving, Pedestrians & Cyclists
In a city, a truck driver shares tight streets with people on foot, bikes and scooters who may be hidden in blind spots or not paying attention. Most serious city truck crashes happen at low speed, during turns, backing and pulling away from the curb.
- Truck drivers
- Delivery drivers
Photo: box truck waiting at a city crosswalk with the driver checking a crossview mirror for pedestrians in front of the bumper
Right turns
- Check right mirrors before, during and after the turn. Cyclists and pedestrians can move into the space beside you as you slow.
- Signal early and slow down before the turn.
- Avoid swinging wide to the left in a way that opens a gap on your right that a cyclist or car can squeeze into.
- Yield to people in the crosswalk, including the one you’re turning into.
Blind spots in the city
- Directly in front of the bumper: a child or a person bending down can be invisible from a tall cab. Use crossview and front mirrors, and check before pulling away from a stop.
- Right side: the biggest blind spot. Cyclists riding along the curb often sit in it.
- Behind: never assume the alley or loading area is clear.
See Truck Blind Spots.
Backing and stopping
- Plan the route and stops to avoid backing when possible
- Get out and look (GOAL) before backing into an alley or dock
- Use a spotter when available, and back slowly with flashers and the backup alarm on
- Don’t double park where it forces cyclists into traffic, or block crosswalks and bike lanes
- Check for cyclists before opening the cab door
- Set the parking brake and use wheel chocks on hills
Other city hazards
- Low clearances: know your height, and watch for bridges, parking garages, drive-throughs, awnings and trees.
- Tight turns: the trailer tracks inside the tractor. Watch the curb, poles and people standing at the corner.
- Distracted pedestrians with phones and headphones may step out without looking.
- Scooters and e-bikes move faster than you’d expect and can come from any direction.
Slow is fast in the city. A few extra seconds at a corner costs nothing. A low-speed crash with a pedestrian is often fatal for them.
Standards & references
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