Driving next to large trucks is something you have to handle differently from driving next to cars. Trucks don’t stop, turn, or speed up the same way. Their size and weight change how they behave on the road. If you’re interested in experiencing the power and stability of larger vehicles firsthand, explore New Chevrolet trucks for sale in Raynham, MA to find models built for strength, safety, and control on every drive.
That’s why it’s important to learn how to drive around trucks the right way. It’s also critical to get trusted legal help for serious trucking injury cases if you or someone you care about ever ends up involved in a crash.
One of the biggest things to keep in mind is how big these trucks really are. A fully loaded truck can weigh 20 to 30 times more than your car. They can also be up to 75 feet long and carry tons of cargo. That kind of size affects everything from how far they take to stop, how much space they need to turn, and what they can see around them. And because they sit so high off the ground, your car can actually slide underneath them in a crash.
If you’re exploring options like Ram 1500 trucks for sale, it’s important to understand these differences since safety and performance vary between pickup trucks and heavy commercial vehicles.
Here’s what you need to know about sharing the road with these big guys:
Blind Spots Are Bigger Than You Think
Large trucks have huge blind spots. These are areas around the truck where the driver can’t see you at all. The biggest blind spots are on the right side, directly behind the truck and just in front of the cab.
If you’re driving in these areas, assume the truck driver has no idea you’re there. If you can’t see the driver in the truck’s side mirror, that’s a sign you’re invisible to them.
To stay safe, avoid lingering in blind spots. If you’re passing a truck, do it quickly and carefully. If you’re behind one, don’t follow too closely. You need space in case the truck stops suddenly or rolls back slightly on a hill.
How to Pass a Truck the Right Way
Passing a truck the wrong way is one of the easiest ways to get into a dangerous situation. Always pass on the left side, where the driver can see you better. Before you move over, make sure you can see the driver in the side mirror.
Signal clearly, then move over and speed up to pass smoothly. Don’t hang out next to the truck while you’re doing it; get past them and back into your lane only when you can see the whole front of the truck in your rearview mirror.
Never try to pass a truck from the right side. That’s where their largest blind spot is. And avoid passing when going downhill; trucks pick up speed faster than cars do on declines.
If a truck is passing you, stay in your lane, move slightly to the right, and ease off the gas a little so they can get past quickly.
Cutting Off a Truck Can Get You Killed
It’s not the same as cutting off a regular car. When you cut in front of a truck, you’re entering a blind spot. Even worse, the truck might not be able to stop fast enough to avoid hitting you. Trucks take a long time to slow down.
If you move into their lane without enough space, you’re putting yourself in a very dangerous spot. Always leave a large gap when merging in front of a truck.
Don’t Tailgate a Truck
Following too close behind a truck is dangerous for a few reasons. First, you’re in their blind spot, so they can’t see you.
Second, if they stop quickly and you don’t, your car could slide under the rear of the truck. That kind of crash is often deadly.
And third, trucks can roll back a bit when starting on a hill. If you’re too close, your car might get hit. Stay far enough back that you can see the truck’s mirrors and leave space when stopped.
Buckle Up Every Time
Wearing your seatbelt is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself. It keeps you in place and gives you more control in an emergency.
In crashes with trucks, the impact is stronger because of the size difference, so wearing a seatbelt matters even more. Kids should always be buckled in the backseat. It’s one of the easiest ways to reduce injuries or save a life.
Never Drive Under the Influence
Alcohol and drugs slow down your thinking and your reaction time. That includes many prescription or over-the-counter medicines that make you sleepy. You need to be clear-headed and focused to drive near large trucks.
There’s no safe amount of alcohol to drink before driving. If you’re under the influence, don’t drive; find another way to get where you’re going.