An annual report by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that, in 2017, 116,000 crashes involving large vehicles caused injuries. And 4,455 of those crashes led to a fatality.
When you share the road with large trucks, you can risk a severe accident that leaves you with serious injuries. Here are a few tips from the American Automobile Association (AAA) for staying safe around trucks:
- Be aware of blind spots – Truck drivers have a much more limited view than drivers in cars. Their trailers block their vision behind them. And the height of the truck can create a blind spot directly in front of and to the sides of the cab.
- Watch for wind gusts – When you drive next to a truck, wind gusts can push your car, causing you to lose control.
- Watch for wide turns – Semi-truck drivers must take wide turns to get their trailers through intersections. They may have to swing the front of the semi the opposite way before turning.
- Give the truck room – A full-length truck and trailer needs plenty of room to get around. AAA recommends leaving a four-second gap between your car and the truck in front of you.
Safe practices can help you avoid a serious accident
Being cautious and safe around trucks can help you avoid dangerous car accidents. Your car is much smaller and more vulnerable in a crash. If a truck hits you, you can be at risk for severe injuries or death.
Safe driving practices around large trucks can keep you out of harm’s way.
