You might not see many truck accidents, but they’re somewhat common, and the consequences can be severe. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every year, more than 100,000 trucks in the U.S. are involved in fatal and injury crashes. Because of their size and weight, truck accidents can cause severe injuries, including burns, spinal damage, and traumatic brain injuries.
If you regularly share the highway with semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, knowing how to protect yourself is essential.
Here’s what you need to know about staying safe in the presence of large trucks.
1. Large trucks have large blind spots
Large trucks have large blind spots where the driver can’t see cars directly in front or on either side of their truck. Since they lack the typical rearview mirror, there’s also a large blind spot directly behind the vehicle. As a general rule, if you can’t see the driver’s face in the side mirror, they likely can’t see you.
A truck’s lack of visibility makes it crucial to maneuver out of the way as fast as possible. Never linger next to, in front of, or behind a large truck for any length of time. You can’t predict when the driver will need to change lanes or slow down. If you’re not in their blind spot one minute, you could be the next.
2. Semi-trucks need extra distance for braking
Compared to a passenger vehicle, a fully loaded semi needs twice the distance to stop. If you’re behind one on the road, keep four to five seconds of following distance so you have time to react if they brake. However, don’t make it a habit to linger behind large trucks. At the first chance, pass the truck in the left lane and move past it.
3. Pass with purpose
When passing a large truck or tractor-trailer, accelerate and stay visible to the driver. Even if you can see the driver in the mirror, don’t linger next to the truck. Drivers are focused on the road and aren’t constantly looking in their mirrors. Remember that trucks have a blind spot in front, so if you’re going to move into their lane, pass the truck for a decent distance – until you can see the full front of the truck in your rearview mirror – before moving into their lane.
4. Notice signs of fatigue
Commercial drivers often log long hours and drive fatigued, even when they follow the Hours of Service regulations. For instance, around 12% of truck crashes and 10% of near-crashes involve drowsy driving. If you see a big truck weaving, drifting, or changing speed erratically, be cautious.
5. Expect wide turns and swing-outs
Driving a large truck requires special maneuvering, even just for making a simple turn. Big 18-wheelers need more room to turn corners, and will swing out far in the opposite direction before making a turn. A semi truck making a right turn can look like they’re turning left at first. Never try to squeeze between a truck and the curb. That’s one of the fastest ways to get crushed.
6. Watch for imbalanced loads
If you see a truck with swaying trailers or an uneven stance, keep your distance, especially around curves. Shifting cargo can cause trucks to become imbalanced enough to roll or crash.
7. Be ready to use defensive driving strategies
Driving defensively around big semis isn’t optional. Anytime you’re near a big truck, scan ahead at least 3-5 seconds down the road to watch for brake lights flashing or unexpected slowing. Notice when the truck changes lanes or drifts. Being proactive like this will give you time to adjust early and maintain control.
8. Use your daytime running lights
When you’re visible, it’s easier for truck drivers to see you. Keep your headlights on when sharing the road with trucks. Even if you don’t have daytime running lights, you can still keep them on in the daytime.
9. Be predictable
Signal early and steer gradually to make your moves more visible to truck drivers. Avoid jerky or sudden lane changes and random weaving. That’s just asking for an accident.
10. Get legal help if you’re involved in an accident
Even the most careful drivers sometimes can’t avoid accidents. If you’re involved in a truck accident, contact an attorney immediately. It’s the best way to recover fair compensation for your injuries.
Awareness and intention equal safety
Staying safe around large semi-trucks isn’t luck. Safety comes from driving with purpose and avoiding known risks like blind spots. A little intention behind the wheel is all it takes to avoid an accident.