Below are recommended guidelines for safe and defensive driving on our TX roadways and highways:
- Never cut in front of a large truck. They
require a greater stopping distance, and if you
force an 18-wheeler to stop quickly, a serious
accident could result. When passing, look for
the front of the semi truck in your rear-view
mirror before pulling in front.
- Avoid blind spots. Tractor trailer
drivers and bus
drivers have large No-Zones (blind spots) on
both sides. A rule of thumb is that if you
cannot see the driver’s face in the side-view
mirror, the driver cannot see you. If your car
is next to a large truck, drive past the truck
if you can do so safely, or maintain a safe
distanced behind the truck. If you are passing,
drive your car on the left side where the blind
spot is smaller.
- Never follow a large truck too closely.
Keep 20 to 25 car lengths between the front of
your vehicle and the back of a tractor trailer. This
extra distance will allow you to see in front of
the truck. In case there is congested traffic or
an accident up ahead, you will see it in time to
stop or safely steer your car away from the
danger.
- Don't get squeezed. Semi truck
drivers need to swing wide to the left in order
to negotiate a right turn. When truck drivers
make wide right turns, they can't see smaller
vehicles directly behind or beside them. Never
get between the truck and a curb, or you may be
in a "squeeze" and suffer serious injuries.
- Use extra caution when passing. After
passing an 18-wheeler, do not pull your car back into the
truck’s traffic lane until you can see its
headlights in your rear view mirror.
- Watch brake lights. When sharing the
highway with a large truck or tractor trailer, pay close attention to
its brake lights and signals and act
accordingly.
- Always remember that a loaded
tractor-trailer or semi truck needs as much as
100 yards -- the length of a football field --
to come to a complete stop. No matter how
crowded the highway, make sure to maintain this
safe distance. If the truck driver ignores this
margin of safety and follows your car too
closely, do not take a chance. Move your car
into another traffic lane.
- Always wear your seat belt.
- Never drink and drive.
- Be cautious of others on the roadway.
Aggressive and inattentive drivers place others
at risk. They can also contribute to a semi
truck accident that involves an innocent and
safe-driving third party. Stay away from
aggressive and inattentive drivers.
- Always use your turn signals when changing lanes. Drivers around you need to know what you are doing to maintain safe driving distances.
