More than 200,000 crashes involving at least one passenger car and one large truck occur each year nation wide.  In more than 60% of all fatal crashes involving cars and large trucks the automobile driver, rather than the truck driver, contributed to the cause of the crash.  Most of these accidents occur in daylight on straight roads, with good weather conditions.  The driver of the automobile is killed 4 out of 5 times in these incidents.

  This is why Tennessee Highway Patrol and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement has an aggressive enforcement policy involving automobiles as well as the more intimidating commercial vehicles - a prime example of why the No-Zone program is so important.   

Vehicles on today’s roadways range from bicycles to tractor-trailers.  Sharing the road safely with vehicles that are all different sizes takes a bit of understanding. Drivers need to know how different vehicles operate and why drivers do the things they do.

Below are valuable statements given by truck drivers from across the country!

 

1.  Please keep your distance when following. "Tailgating any vehicle is dangerous, but it is particularly unsafe to follow a large truck too closely.  The farther you are away from my truck, the less likely we are to collide.  By keeping your dis-tance, you will have a better view of the road, upcoming traffic signals, signs and exits.  Truck wheels may throw up rocks or water if it's raining.  When stopping behind my rig, please remember that it may need space to roll back when it starts up again, especially on a hill.  If you can position your vehicle slightly to the left of your lane, 1 will know you're behind me and 1 can take precautions."

2.  Pass a truck with caution. "Always pass on the left side of the truck.  Remember, you need to see my mirrors so that I can see you.  When passing a large vehicle, wait until you are well ahead of it to pull back into the lane.  If you have to slow down suddenly, my truck needs space and time to slow down and stop.  Trucks can't slow down safely with just a moment's notice.  Don't pull back into my lane until you can see my truck's headlights in your rear-view mirror."

3.  Avoid the NO-ZONE. "Just like automobiles, the first rule of safety with trucks is see and be seen. Trucks have large blind spots on both sides, directly behind and in front. Stay away from those areas as much as possible. If you're driving behind a truck and you can't see one of its side-view mirrors, the truck driver can't see you."

4.  When in doubt, don't pass. "The longer the truck, the more distance you will need to pass it. Sometimes it's hard to tell how long a truck is from behind. Don't pass unless you're absolutely sure there is enough room."

5.  Make a wide sweep when passing a truck. "Making a wide sweep helps you reduce the effect of air turbulence created by the truck and gives you a margin of safety if the truck sways outside of its lane while you pass. An oncoming truck can also create a burst of air as it passes. To minimize turbulence, stay far to the right in your lane."

6.  Give turning trucks lots of room. "When a truck turns it needs lots of room. To make a turn, the driver sometimes needs to swing wide to the left or right to manoeuvre safely. Never pull up into the open space on a truck's side if the driver has signaled a turn because the driver may be setting up or completing a turn." 

7.  Are your windshield wipers on? "In wet weather, remember to turn on your wipers before passing my truck. The splash and spray thrown up from 18 wheels can be blinding, and you will need two hands on the steering wheel to maintain control. Don't pass if the splash and spray is too severe."

 

8.  Poor weather is a poor time to pass. "Bad weather rarely provides a good time to pass a large truck. The combination of splash and spray, air turbulence, poor control of both vehicles on slick surfaces and diminished visibility increases the chance of a collision."

9.  Help that passing truck. "Keep your eyes on the road ahead and on your mirrors when a truck tries to pass you. Concentrate on maintaining a steady course (or even slow down a bit) toward the right side of your lane. This will allow the truck to pass easily."

10.  Darkness masks many older trucks. "if you see a truck at night that looks like it's parked at the side of a road, make sure you can see the entire truck body. Slow down and prepare to stop if necessary. Many older trucks are not reflectorized as well as newer models. The body of the truck could be in your path. In dim lighting, it may not be visible until it's too late to stop."

11.  Report driver performance and vehicle defects. "Many trucks have a sign on the rear that reads something like: How's my driving? 1-800-555-5555. Please call. You should also note the licence number or any other identifying numbers on the truck. It's in everyone's best interest to report bad drivers or obvious vehicle defects. It's also important to report good driving practices."

12.  Truck watching can alert you to traffic conditions. "Truck drivers, in their elevated cabs, can see farther down the road than motorists. If a truck in front of you starts to slow down, there may be trouble ahead. Take the hint from the truck driver and start slowing down too."

Dave Marson - Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association

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Remember, when sharing the road with large trucks, the bigger they are:

• the larger their blind spots;
• the longer it takes them to stop;
• the more distance you need to pass them; and,
• the more room they need to manoeuvre.