Lesson Four: Trucks (6.4)

A common sight on streets and freeways are semi-trucks (also known as tractor trailers). These large vehicles transport goods across town or across the country. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Singles and double trailers are common around the country. Triple trailers may be seen in some states.

When sharing the road with trucks, you need to take additional precautions. Trucks have large blind spots called “No-Zones” which make it very difficult for truck drivers to see you. These blind spots increase as the size of the truck increases.

Large trucks require more space to maneuver and to turn. This requires trucks to use different lane positions depending on which way they plan to turn. This can create miscommunication with the vehicles around the truck. It is important to read the other communication being sent by the truck such as their signal and speed.

Maintain six or more seconds of following distance in order to improve your view. If you cannot see the truck’s side view mirrors, then the driver cannot see you.

A truck’s excessive size and weight create a longer stopping distance. A fully loaded truck traveling with good road conditions at highway speeds, needs a distance of nearly two football fields to stop. Do not make sudden lane changes, pull out or stop suddenly in front of a truck.

Be Truck Aware

 Trucks