Sharing the Road with Big Rigs – What to Know

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If you’ve ever driven on the highway, you’ve most likely noticed a semi-truck or two. They’re not hard to miss with their enormous size and multiple car lengths that they occupy. It’s important that you know how to properly share the road with them. Safe driving is not only the best driving, it’s the only type of driving you should undertake. While most truck drivers are experienced and possess the necessary reaction time, the space in between a mistake and the proper action to correct it are very slim. Obeying the proper rules of the road is of the highest importance.

Give Them Space

Keeping a safe distance is very important when you’re on the road. It’s always a good idea to allow twice or three times the space you would normally allow another car. A good indication of safety is the mirrors on the side of a semi-truck. If you can’t see the driver, then he can’t see you. Traveling in a truck’s blind spot is dangerous and should never be done.

Don’t Pass up on Passing Protocol

It might have been a while since you last took a driving education course. Sometimes the rules and procedures get lost to memory. No matter, utilizing the SMOG system will allow you to remember what to do.

  • Signal
  • Mirrors
  • Over your shoulder (take a glance)
  • Go when it’s safe, and only then.

While most new cars come with driver assistance technology, they don’t cover up for human error. A semi-truck cannot stop on a dime, as a matter of fact, it can take up to 300 feet of space for a truck to come to a complete stop. This means that allowing trucks their necessary space and only passing when you have the clearance is very important. Arriving at your destination late might be frustrating, but arriving there safely and in one piece is what matters.

Waiting on Their Turn

Because of their enormous size, trucks need a lot of space to properly execute a turn. Drivers cannot see directly behind them when this is happening, so don’t try to cheat fate and squeeze by one when they’re turning. Your life is not worth tempting the odds.

The Truck Junction—The Necessary Function

If you’re in the Sarasota area and need a new truck, allow the experts at The Truck Junction to serve you. For inventory, sales, and even the chance to sell your truck on consignment, visit us at www.truckjunction.com. You can find us located at 4791 Clark Road in Sarasota!