Stay Safe Around Big Rigs
Safe Driving Tips for Passenger Vehicles

With 43 million Americans relocating annually, “big rigs” continue to have a large presence on America's highways and on neighborhood streets. People in passenger vehicles are especially vulnerable in collisions with large trucks because of the great difference in weight. In fact, according to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, 71 percent of fatal multi-vehicle crashes involving a large truck are caused by the other vehicle . Unfortunately, many drivers of passenger vehicles are simply unaware of the necessary precautions to take when driving around large trucks, which is why Mayflower Transit offers the following tips to educate the public, prevent possible accidents and save lives.

Follow with Caution - If you are driving directly behind a truck or on its right side and you can't see the truck's side mirrors, chances are that the driver can't see you. Most trucks have blind spots, so it's important to stay in the driver's line of sight when preparing to pass. Keep a safe distance at all times and avoid tailgating to reduce the risk of accidents by allowing more reaction time for abrupt stops. Besides—it's a lot easier to see road signs, traffic signals, and changes in traffic if there's some distance between you and a truck in front of you.

Safe Passing - Always pass on the left side of a moving van and use caution. Don't complete the pass until you can see the truck's headlights in your review mirror. Once in front of the truck, make sure you maintain the speed limit and don't slow down. It takes a lot of extra distance for a “big rig” to stop.

Wide Turns - Allow trucks turning in front of you enough space to complete a turn safely. When a truck is making a right turn, it will normally first swing out to the left. The same goes for left turns, where drivers first need to swing right. Never pull up into the open space on a truck's side if the driver has signaled a turn. The driver may be setting up a turn or in the process of completing one.

Time and Speed - A loaded tractor-trailer requires 20 to 40 percent more stopping distance than a car. With an empty trailer, the discrepancy between the truck and the car is even greater. Be patient and safe – don't hurry to pull out in front of a fast moving “big rig.”

Steep Roads - When you are stopped behind a “big rig” on a steep upgrade, it is a good idea to allow extra space between you and the truck in case it rolls backward slightly before moving forward. Try to stay on the left side of your lane so the driver can see you in the truck's side mirror.

The Golden Rule - Exercise common courtesy for all drivers. Let them merge into traffic from entrance ramps or other lanes. Signal lane changes. If someone makes a mistake or drives aggressively, take three deep breaths and let it go.

One Hartford Square, New Britain, CT 06052
Phone: 860-223-2725 Fax: 860-223-0370