Anyone who has driven on U.S. Highway 441 through Georgia knows that the highway is busy. There are so many vehicles on the road. Some car drivers get very nervous when they have to drive next to semitrucks. They are intimidated by the sheer size of the trucks they frequently pass.
While it’s true that a car is no match for a semi in an accident, it’s also true that cars and semis can safely share the road together by exercising caution and following the rules of the road.
Tips for safely sharing the road with a big truck
You can feel confident driving near semis if you follow these rules:
- Give them space: Always maintain a safe distance when you drive behind a semitruck.
- Be aware of your surroundings: If a truck needs to pass you, allow them to do so by moving over to the right lane, if possible.
- Don’t speed: Drive within the speed limit and constantly survey your surroundings. This can be hard to do on a busy highway, which is why you must constantly keep watch.
- Stay away from a truck’s blind spots: These include the right side of the truck, which is the most significant blind spot, behind the truck, and in front of the cab.
- Never cut a truck off: Truck drivers cannot brake as quickly as cars. They take twice the distance to come to a stop as a car does.
- Don’t make surprise moves: Always use your signals so truckers know when you need to move over.
- Avoid distractions: Leave such things as the phone, the radio buttons and the cup of coffee sitting in your cupholder alone.
Take your time as you travel so that you can drive safely by commercial trucks on the highway. Sometimes, however, accidents happen despite your best efforts. When they do, you’ll need to seek assistance in handling the aftermath.
