Sharing the Road with Trucks

When you are driving to work and see a truck, remember that the truck operator is already at work – that truck is his or her office. Help truck drivers share the road with you by following these tips:

Don’t cut in front. Trucks take longer to brake than cars and therefore often leave themselves a cushion to allow space to stop. That space is not an invitation to cut in. Doing so only diminishes the truck driver’s cushion of safety and puts everyone involved at risk.

Don’t linger. Trucks have blind spots: when you linger beside one, the truck driver may not be able to recognize that you’re there. These blind spots exist in several spaces around the vehicle: Try to avoid lingering in the following spots:

• the left side of a truck between the cab and the trailer
• the right side between the cab and the trailer
• the right side directly next to the cab.

Don’t tailgate. If you're driving behind a truck and can’t see its mirrors, then you’re too close. The driver can’t see you.

Merge carefully on to interstates and freeways. Professional drivers note how often other vehicles fail to yield when merging on to an interstate or freeway. Such mergers can quickly become dangerous if the truck driver cannot transfer to another lane because of existing traffic.

Safe Driving Tips

Let's try to share our state highways with one goal in mind: Safety first!

• Always wear a safety belt, and make sure everyone else on board is buckled up.
  
• Use alternate routes to avoid traffic congestion.
  
• Signal turns well in advance of changing lanes.
  
• Turn on your headlights in low light or inclement weather to help those around you to see your vehicle.
  
• Do not tailgate or rubberneck.
  
• Always pay attention to your driving and the road conditions ahead of you. If possible, look ahead ¼ of a mile, and always leave yourself an out.
  
• Get a map and plan your trip before driving.
  
• Avoid stopping on highways, especially if you miss your exit. Remember: the most dangerous speed on the highway is zero.