10 Tips For Driving Safely Around Large Trucks Or Buses
The following are 10 tips for driving safely around Large Trucks and Buses
1. Stay out of the “No Zones or Blind Spots”
Large trucks and buses have huge blind spots(in red shade) located:
-immediately in front of the truck
-beside the truck driver’s door
-on the passenger side which runs the length of the truck and extends out three lanes
-directly behind the truck.
*If you can’t see the driver in the truck’s side mirror, assume that the driver can’t see you.
*Don’t drive in a blind spot – slow down or move ahead to stay visible.
*Be particularly careful when merging near a truck or bus. You may likely be in a blind spot.
2. Pass Safely
Make sure you can see the driver in the mirror before passing. Signal clearly then move into the left lane and accelerate so that you can get past the truck or bus safely and promptly. Don’t linger in the blind spot.
Make sure the truck or bus is visible in your rearview mirror before you pull in front; give it extra space.
3. Don’t Cut It Close
Cutting in too close in front of another vehicle is always dangerous,but it’s especially dangerous to “cut off” a commercial bus or truck.
If you move in quickly from either side, you’re likely to be in a blind spot so the driver may not see you in time.
Even if you’re visible, the vehicle may not be able to slow quickly enough to avoid a crash because of the amount of time it takes to stop.
4. Stay Back
Tailgating a truck or bus presents added dangers. First, it puts you in a blind spot – or No Zone. Because trucks are so high off the ground, if you fail to stop in time (or get hit from behind) your vehicle could slide under the truck.
Getting too close when stopped is also dangerous – particularly on an upgrade, where a bus or truck might roll back.
5. Anticipate Wide Turns
Buses and trucks require extra turning room – they swing wide, or may even initiate a turn from a middle (rather than far right) lane.
If a truck or bus has its turn signal on, never try to squeeze by it or get between the vehicle and the curb.
When you stop at an intersection, never “block the box” or stop in front of the line, as buses and trucks require that space to complete turns safely.
6. Be Patient
Trucks and buses have operating restrictions, and sometimes use technology like speed limiters.
Honking, driving aggressively,or weaving through traffic won’t make the trip faster, but can cause dangerous distractions and crashes.
7. Buckle Up
Wearing your seat belt is one of the most important things that you and your passengers can do to save your lives.
8. Stay Focused
If you need to attend to a text,a call,GPS,or an app, get off the road and stop driving. Driving distracted can be as dangerous as driving impaired.
Don’t underestimate the speed(or overestimate the distance)of a truck or bus particularly when making turns,merging, or changing lanes.
9. Don’t Drive Fatigued
Take regular breaks, get another driver to relieve you, or get off the road and find a safe place to rest.
10. Never Drive Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Alcohol and other drugs impair both judgement and reaction time. There is no safe limit for drinking before driving.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/tips-driving-safely-around-large-trucks-or-buses
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Driver-guide/Sharing-the-road-with-other-road-users/Heavy-vehicles.aspx
1. Stay out of the “No Zones or Blind Spots”
Large trucks and buses have huge blind spots(in red shade) located:
-immediately in front of the truck
-beside the truck driver’s door
-on the passenger side which runs the length of the truck and extends out three lanes
-directly behind the truck.
*If you can’t see the driver in the truck’s side mirror, assume that the driver can’t see you.
*Don’t drive in a blind spot – slow down or move ahead to stay visible.
*Be particularly careful when merging near a truck or bus. You may likely be in a blind spot.
2. Pass Safely
Make sure you can see the driver in the mirror before passing. Signal clearly then move into the left lane and accelerate so that you can get past the truck or bus safely and promptly. Don’t linger in the blind spot.
Make sure the truck or bus is visible in your rearview mirror before you pull in front; give it extra space.
3. Don’t Cut It Close
Cutting in too close in front of another vehicle is always dangerous,but it’s especially dangerous to “cut off” a commercial bus or truck.
If you move in quickly from either side, you’re likely to be in a blind spot so the driver may not see you in time.
Even if you’re visible, the vehicle may not be able to slow quickly enough to avoid a crash because of the amount of time it takes to stop.
4. Stay Back
Tailgating a truck or bus presents added dangers. First, it puts you in a blind spot – or No Zone. Because trucks are so high off the ground, if you fail to stop in time (or get hit from behind) your vehicle could slide under the truck.
Getting too close when stopped is also dangerous – particularly on an upgrade, where a bus or truck might roll back.
5. Anticipate Wide Turns
Buses and trucks require extra turning room – they swing wide, or may even initiate a turn from a middle (rather than far right) lane.
If a truck or bus has its turn signal on, never try to squeeze by it or get between the vehicle and the curb.
When you stop at an intersection, never “block the box” or stop in front of the line, as buses and trucks require that space to complete turns safely.
6. Be Patient
Trucks and buses have operating restrictions, and sometimes use technology like speed limiters.
Honking, driving aggressively,or weaving through traffic won’t make the trip faster, but can cause dangerous distractions and crashes.
7. Buckle Up
Wearing your seat belt is one of the most important things that you and your passengers can do to save your lives.
8. Stay Focused
If you need to attend to a text,a call,GPS,or an app, get off the road and stop driving. Driving distracted can be as dangerous as driving impaired.
Don’t underestimate the speed(or overestimate the distance)of a truck or bus particularly when making turns,merging, or changing lanes.
9. Don’t Drive Fatigued
Take regular breaks, get another driver to relieve you, or get off the road and find a safe place to rest.
10. Never Drive Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Alcohol and other drugs impair both judgement and reaction time. There is no safe limit for drinking before driving.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/tips-driving-safely-around-large-trucks-or-buses
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Driver-guide/Sharing-the-road-with-other-road-users/Heavy-vehicles.aspx
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