How you can safely share the road with 18-wheelers
Wherever you are, you have more than likely been on the same strip of blacktop as an 18-wheeler, whether on the daily commute to work or the much-needed road trip, a five-lane highway or a two-lane backcountry road.
These huge, sometimes mammoth, vehicles are the monsters of the road. It is best to have a heightened awareness when they are around. Even a healthy dose of respect does not keep a tired driver from swerving into your lane and crashing into your car. Keep your eyes peeled for trucks around you and take control of your safety.
Give large trucks a lot of room
They have four blind spots, and if they cannot see you, there is the possibility of them moving into your lane. Also, be careful when maneuvering around a truck. Do not dart in front because you are in a hurry. On a good day, a truck driver needs well over 100 yards to stop — the length of two football fields.
Remember 18-wheelers cannot turn on a dime
Sometimes it takes two lanes for them to make a turn. Give drivers the space needed to make that turn. A truck’s turning radius is 55 feet. Think about what it would take for an adult sperm whale to make a right turn. That should put it in perspective.
When driving at night, take extra precautions
Trucks are still on the road even during the midnight hour, so there is a possibility the drivers should not be behind the wheel. Federal law gives truck drivers specific Hours of Service about when they can be on the road. Drivers have an 11-hour driving limit and have to be off the road for 10 consecutive hours. They must keep logbooks and present these to the authorities when asked.
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