Sharing the Road with Big Trucks
In crashes between cars and large trucks, the people in the car are far more likely to be killed. Many of those crashes start with something the car driver did: cutting in front of a truck, riding in its blind spot or squeezing past a turning truck. Knowing how trucks work keeps you out of trouble.
- All drivers
- New drivers
Stay out of the no-zones
- Trucks have big blind spots in front, behind and along both sides, especially the right side.
- If you can’t see the driver’s face in the truck’s side mirror, the driver can’t see you.
- Don’t ride alongside a truck. Pass or drop back.
See No-Zones: Truck Blind Spots.
Trucks need room to stop
A loaded truck at highway speed needs much more distance to stop than a car. When you cut in front and slow down, the truck may not be able to stop. After passing, wait until you can see the whole front of the truck in your rearview mirror before moving over, and don’t brake suddenly in front of it.
Passing
- Pass on the left, where the driver can see you better.
- Pass quickly and steadily; don’t linger in the blind spot.
- Be patient going uphill, when trucks slow down, and downhill, when they may speed up.
- Give extra room in wind and rain; trucks throw spray and can sway.
Wide turns
Trucks often swing left to make a right turn, leaving a gap on the right. Never try to squeeze into that gap; the trailer will cut the corner and can crush your car. Stop behind the line at intersections so turning trucks have room.
Following trucks
- Stay back far enough to see the truck’s side mirrors.
- Leave more space; you can’t see around a truck to know what’s ahead.
- Watch for trucks rolling back slightly when starting on a hill.
Trucks backing up
Never cut behind a truck that’s backing into a driveway or loading dock. The driver may not see you, and you may get trapped.
Buses and other big vehicles
The same rules apply to buses, RVs, farm equipment and construction equipment. Stop for school buses with red lights flashing. See School Buses.
Standards & references
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