Sharing the road with other cars and regular-sized trucks is one thing, but when it comes to driving alongside tractor-trailer trucks, you need to be extra careful.
Use these tips to keep yourself and other drivers safe while on the road with big trucks:
4 Safety Tips for Driving Near Tractor-Trailer Trucks
1. Maintain a Safe Distance at All Times
Unexpected events like sudden tire blowouts, quick stops, roll overs, and more can happen with large trucks, so it’s best to keep your distance as much as possible.
2. Particularly, stay out of blind spots.
The biggest blind spot for a tractor-trailer is the right side, so specifically avoid driving in this area as much as possible. Other areas to stay away from include directly behind or in front of trucks, and along the midsection of the driver’s side of trucks.
3. Pass quickly, but avoid cutting in.
You can pass trucks (and it’s better to pass quickly!), but don’t cut in too close when getting in front of a truck in the same lane. If they need to slow down for you, it takes them extra-long, and a sudden stop or slow by you could mean you get rear-ended.
4. Keep your lights dimmed.
Large truck drivers have extra mirrors to help them navigate, but this can often mean that bright lights reflect in a distracting way for the driver. Whenever you are around trucks, keep your lights dimmed as much as possible.
Are You Looking for a Job? Trucking Could Be Right for You!
Right now, M&W Transportation is hiring truckers in Nashville, Knoxville, Indy, and Memphis. Choosing to be a tractor-trailer trucker could be the right move for you! Our positions come with medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as numerous other benefits: Life insurance, YMCA, 8 paid holidays and paid vacations, a 401k plan, Safety Bonuses, and more!
Qualified candidates must be 23 years or older, live within the service area, and have two years of recent verifiable tractor-trailer experience with an irregular route carrier.
Several other qualifications apply. See our employment page for more information!
