Four-wheeled vehicles like your standard car have vastly different capabilities than a semi truck. Semi trucks are bigger, heavier, harder to stop (and slower to accelerate), and have larger blind spots than regular vehicles. You can usually drive safely around semi trucks with just a bit of common sense, but here are some tips that you might not be aware of.
Don’t brake check or cut off
Semis can’t react as fast as cars and you’re likely to get rear-ended if you brake check. Cutting them off can have the same effect if you have to stop – big vehicles take 40% longer to stop, so you’re putting yourself at risk of being rear-ended.
Don’t drive in blind spots
Semis have big blind spots for 30 feet behind them, 20 feet in front of them, and to their sides. You have to drive into a blind spot to pass, but stay there as little as possible. The general rule is that if you can’t see the driver (including the reflection in their side mirrors), they can’t see you – and that puts you at risk.
Pass on the left
The blind spot on a semi’s right is much larger than the one on their left. To drive safely around semi trucks, pass on their left, where the blind spot is smaller and you will be out of it quicker.
Beware of wide turns
Semi trucks pull 53-foot trailers that don’t bend at all – they’re going to make wide turns. If a semi has their turn signal on, never try to squeeze between it and the curb. Also be aware if you’re at an intersection and there’s a semi trying to make a turn towards you – especially if they’re trying to make a right turn, you may need to stay back from the intersection to give them room.
Be patient
Semi trucks are under a lot of regulations to keep themselves and the cars they share the road with safe. If they’re going 62mph in a 70mph zone, slowing down really early for a stop, or any number of other things, they’re not trying to ruin your day – they’re just trying to obey the laws and keep you safe. Be patient with them.