According to the Federal Motor Carrier and Safety Administration (FMCSA), the number of large trucks involved in injury crashes increased by 5 percent, from 102,000 to 107,000 between 2016 and 2017.  But there are steps drivers can take to stay safe.

When driving alongside large trucks on the highways many people feel one or two ways–they feel competitive, like they must outrun the truck, or they feel powerless, like there’s nothing they can do until the truck driver has passed them.  The truth is, there are many things you can do to maintain control over your safety when driving on the road with large trucks.

Below is a list of 5 ways to drive safely around large trucks:

Stay Out of Blind Spots

Truck drivers have significant blind spots, especially on the right side of their vehicles. When possible stay away from the right side of a large truck, as this puts you directly out of sight of the driver. If a driver cannot see you, it greatly increases the likelihood of getting in an accident.  

Don’t Cut it Close

It is understandable that being on the side of a large truck can make you nervous, and make you want to rush along side the truck to eventually get in front of it. You have to really exercise caution when trying to pass in front of a truck , as drivers cannot so easily slam on their brakes and stop if you cut it too close.

Watch For Wide Turns

Because of the way trucks are constructed and the fact that they’re usually carrying large loads,  they must make wide turns. Never try to get by a truck that is making a turn, especially if you are on the right side of the truck. You must also avoid blocking an intersection during a truck turn as well.  

Stay Alert

This one may sound like common sense, but it’s the most important.  Whatever you do, when you’re driving around large trucks, you have to remain alert.

Travel on the Driver’s Side

Whenever possible, drive on the drivers side/ the left side of the truck.  You are much more likely to be spotted by the driver when your car is on the left side.

It’s important to remember that behind the wheel of those large trucks is also a driver, and when they stay alert and you do too–it makes the roads much safer for everyone!

At FTL Hub, our trucks are equipped with technology used to keep our drivers safe. We take pride in having a team that thinks differently about trucking.

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