American roadways are notoriously busy. People use vehicles to travel to work, vacation and many other destinations. If you’ve ever driven through Kokomo, Indiana, via US Highway 31, you know that it can be quite congested. When you are moving at a fast pace next to other vehicles, there is no time for anxiety.
Yet, driving alongside semitrucks can be nerve-racking for some car drivers due to their sheer size and the bulk of the trucks. Although a car cannot compete with a semitruck in an accident, both types of vehicles may coexist safely on the road if drivers use caution and abide by traffic laws.
Safely sharing the road with semitrucks
You can drive close to semitrucks with confidence If you abide by these guidelines:
- When following a semitruck, you should always keep a safe distance.
- Keep an eye on your surroundings. If a truck has to pass you, give them room to do so by, if at all feasible, shifting into the right lane.
- Avoid speeding. Stay under the posted limit and keep a close eye on your surroundings. You must remain vigilant at all times when trying to safely travel on a congested road.
- Avoid being in a truck’s blind areas. These include the truck’s right side, which has the largest blind spot, the area behind the vehicle and the area in front of the cab.
- Never cut off a truck. Semitrucks require twice as much space to halt as an automobile.
- Use your signals to let truckers know when you need to move over.
- Steer clear of distractions like your phone, the radio’s buttons and the beverage in your cupholder.
Take your time while driving so that you can safely pass semitrucks on the highway. Should an accident happen despite your best efforts, seek assistance in handling the aftermath.
