Tips for Driving Safely Around Large Trucks or Buses
Getting behind the wheel always comes with some degree of risk. The various hazards you encounter on the road will decide just how dangerous your drive might be. Driving near large trucks and buses may increase the odds of getting into a serious truck accident– especially if the commercial driver is negligent or not paying attention.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 4,440 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal accidents in 2016. Every year, thousands of drivers die and suffer injuries in preventable commercial vehicle accidents. The best way to avoid these accidents is to practice the right habits, such as the following safe-driving tips.
Keep Your Distance – Avoid the “No Zone”
Avoid driving in the lane directly next to a large truck or bus whenever possible. Keep at least one lane’s distance away from big rigs and buses, giving them plenty of room to maneuver without striking your vehicle. If you can’t stay a lane away, be aware of your proximity to the larger vehicle at all times.
Do your best to maintain a safe driving distance from all sides. The FMSCA recommends staying at least 30 feet away from the back of a truck or bus, 20 feet from the front, one lane away from the other vehicle’s left, and two lanes away from its right. This will keep you out of the “No Zone.”
The No Zone refers to a driver’s blind spots. Large trucks and buses have much larger No Zones than standard vehicles. As a general rule of thumb, if you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you. Driving in the No Zone for an extended period of time can greatly increase your risk of a merge or side-swipe accident. Maneuver in and out of the No Zone as quickly as you can to keep yourself safe.
Pass Safely
If you need to pass a large truck or bus, do so with caution. Driving alongside a big rig can involve changing air pressure that can move your vehicle and make you lose control. Control your speed, but accelerate enough so that you aren’t driving next to the vehicle for a long time. Do not pass trucks or buses from the right lane. Make sure the truck or bus is visible in your mirror before you get in front of it. Give them plenty of space behind you.
Stay Predictable to Other Drivers
Truck and bus drivers have a great deal of responsibility on their shoulders. They must safely and efficiently transport goods and/or passengers to their destinations, operating vehicles that are more difficult to control than smaller cars. Make their jobs easier by obeying roadway rules and keeping your actions predictable. This means don’t speed, weave in and out of traffic, switch lanes abruptly, cut off trucks and buses, or do other actions that may startle or confuse bus and truck drivers.
Maneuver your vehicle slowly and with control, signaling your intent before you do so. The more predictable you are on the road, the less likely it is that a commercial driver won’t see you. Cutting off a large vehicle is especially dangerous, as they cannot brake as quickly as smaller cars. You greatly increase the odds of an accident by driving erratically around big rigs and buses.
Practice Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means to expect the unexpected. It is a technique you should always use while driving, whether you’re around big rigs or not. Driving defensively requires constant vigilance to what’s happening around you. It also means anticipating other drivers’ actions and being prepared for their reactions.
Driving defensively around dangerous larger vehicles involves being alert to their presence, watching and respecting their drivers, and never assuming that the drivers see you. You may not always be able to avoid a truck or bus accident, but defensive driving can significantly improve your chances. If you are involved in a truck accident and believe it was caused by reckless driving, you should contact a local San Diego truck accident lawyer as soon as you can.