Large commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, are intimidating places on the road. Incidents involving commercial vehicles, which exceed the average vehicle by thousands of kilograms, can be devastating and cause significant damage, injury and death. Commercial truck drivers must be professionally trained to operate their vehicles safely, but passenger vehicle operators must take responsibility for driving safely around large trucks. In fact, studies show that the passenger car driver is at fault at least two-thirds of the time in fatal car-truck crashes. There are very serious implications of not appreciating the safety risks associated with commercial trucks:

1. In collisions between cars and large trucks, the occupants of the passenger car are four times more likely to be killed than the truck driver. (US Department of Transportation, 2017)
2. A fully loaded haulage truck traveling at 40 mph (65 km / h) takes 36 percent longer to brake and stop than a passenger car traveling at the same speed. A fully loaded haulage truck traveling at 105 km / h (65 mph) takes 66 percent longer to brake and stop than a passenger car traveling at the same speed. (Utah Department of Transportation, 2017)
3. 80 percent of drivers say they know how to drive safely around large trucks, but more than 40 percent don’t always drive that way. Additionally, nearly a third of the drivers surveyed say they feel nervous driving around large trucks all or most of the time. (Insights West, 2017)
4. Collisions between cars and large trucks are more likely to be caused by the actions or inactions of the drivers involved (truck drivers and passenger vehicles), as opposed to other factors such as weather, road conditions and performance. vehicle. (US Department of Transportation, March 2006 (Updated April 2014))

By taking steps to drive safely and accommodate large trucks, drivers of passenger vehicles can significantly reduce the risks of being involved in an accident.

Tips for Passenger Vehicle Drivers:

– Large trucks cannot travel on roads as easily; they need more room to turn, change lanes, and stop. Passenger vehicle drivers should take extra precautions to allow large trucks more room to move and operate.
– Because commercial trucks are so large, it can be more difficult to estimate their size and speed. When merging or passing a truck, make sure you can see both headlights in the rearview mirror before changing lanes.
– Understand that trucks have bigger blind spots. Slow down or accelerate to avoid blind spots and limit the time spent directly in front of, behind, or next to large trucks.
– When carrying heavy loads, large trucks take longer to change lanes. Give trucks more room by slowing down or moving forward.
– Anticipate wide turns and avoid driving in the right lane next to a turning truck.

When operating such large vehicles, commercial drivers must be especially vigilant about operating their own vehicle and keeping an eye out for passenger vehicles. Work-related crashes can lead to injuries, fines, and loss of time, but proper safety precautions can reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes.

Tips for Commercial Truck Drivers:

– Make sure trucks receive regular safety inspections and that brakes and tires are in good condition to help reduce stopping distances.
– Be aware of the weather and road conditions and adjust your speed accordingly.
– Don’t drive tired and stay alert and focused by getting plenty of rest and eliminating distractions in the cabin.
– Loads must be well balanced and secured to reduce the likelihood of a crash and the risk of injury and damage in the event of a crash.
– Communicate with other drivers using their signals well in advance of turns or lane changes.
– Start braking well in advance. Other drivers don’t realize how long it takes for a truck to come to a complete stop, so seeing the brake lights early will help avoid a collision.