Sharing the road with trucks
Understanding some of the challenges and limitations
involved in maneuvering a truck will help you share the road safely.
Blind spots
- Trucks have more blind spots than cars
and their blind spots are larger.
- Keep your distance so the driver can
see you in the rear or side mirrors.
- Avoid travelling in the blind spots for
any length of time.
Passing
- If you cut in front of a truck too soon
after passing and then slow down, you force the truck driver to
quickly brake and gear down. This can be dangerous when a truck
is hauling a heavy load, making them unable to stop quickly.
- Be sure you can see the headlights of
the truck before re-entering the lane. Once you have passed, maintain
your speed.
Wide turns
- To safely negotiate a right turn, trucks
may swing wide to the left before turning right.
- Stay well behind. Do not squeeze between
the truck and the right curb.
- The truck has the right of way in this situation.
Backing up
- If a truck is backing into a loading
bay, temporarily blocking the roadway, resist the urge to pass
behind the truck. You'll enter one of the truck's blind spots
and risk getting hit.
Rolling back
- On an incline a truck may roll back as the driver takes his
foot off the brake to accelerate. Leave plenty of room when coming
to a stop behind a truck.
