Our Everett Area Chrysler Dealership Explains Driving Around Trucks Safely

In driver’s education classes, truck safety training is not usually talked about. This is quite concerning considering how dangerous it can be to drive irresponsible around 18 wheelers. Statistics say that more than seventy-two percent of accidents that involve trucks are the other driver’s fault. That is why our Everett area Chrysler dealership talks below about driving safely around trucks.

Truckers Need Plenty of Room

You would think this would be common sense, however many drivers crowd around trucks all the time. There are many reasons why being close to a semi is an awful idea:

• Tire Blowouts – These are more common than you’d think. You have most likely seen chunks of tire on the highway before. You definitely don’t want to be next to a semi when a tire blows out and there are pieces of heavy rubber flying at you, besides the fact that the trucker will probably start swerving during this time.
• Truck sails – Even though they are big and heavy, trucks can still be thrown around by the wind. In fact, there is a lot of surface area on semis, making them like big sails that are difficult to control, especially if they are not loaded up.
• Blind Spots – There are so many blind spots on a big rig. Pass a rig quickly, preferably on the left side, and stay out of all the zones where they cannot see you.

Passing Properly

As stated, pass on the left and don’t dilly dally. The right side has many more blind spots, so the trucker can barely see you. Also, once you pass, do not cut in front. They won’t be able to see you properly, plus it can take as much as the length of three football fields for a truck to come to a complete stop when they are traveling 60mph. Give them as much room as possible.

Remember, too, that these trucks make extremely wide turns, and can’t even see anything in their mirror except their trailer while making a right turn. By the time they know you are there, it will be too late.

Practice safe driving around semi-trucks, always staying in clear view and giving them plenty of room.