Highway travel is fast and convenient, but as the numbers of large commercial trucks on the road increase, many drivers find highway travel more challenging. In 2020, 38.9 million large commercial trucks were registered in the US, traveling over 300 billion miles. Even experienced drivers can be intimidated when traveling at high speeds with large commercial trucks, and this concern is warranted. Crashes with large trucks involve more damage and more significant driver injury. In 2020, 4,842 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes, a 33% increase since 2011.
To protect themselves and their passengers, drivers should understand the challenges of driving large commercial trucks and the rules for safely passing these trucks on the highway.
Challenges and Blind Spots for Large Trucks
Commercial trucks are more difficult to drive at high speeds for the following reasons:
- Trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles.
- Trucks have large blind spots.
- Trucks need more time or distance to slow down or stop.
- Trucks have more limited maneuverability.
- Trucks can cause wind gusts that can “pull” a nearby car and result in a loss of control for its driver.
Steps to Safely Pass a Truck
Do Not Follow Too Closely
A driver should never tailgate a truck and should maintain a safe distance. A large commercial truck will drive more slowly up hills and have great difficulty stopping or avoiding debris on the road, so make sure to travel several lengths behind the truck to see and avoid trouble.
Pull Out Into the Left Lane
Move into the left lane if you need to pass a large commercial truck. Never pass a truck on the right side. In the left lane, you can view the side rearview mirror of the truck, and this mirror can assist you in determining whether you are in the truck’s blind spot.
Do Not Stay in the Blind Spot
As you pass the truck, look at the truck’s side view mirror. You should be able to see the cab of the truck or its driver. If you cannot see the cab or driver in the side view mirror, you are in the truck’s blind spot, and you should assume that the driver cannot see you. Do not linger in the blind spot—speed up or slow down to leave it quickly.
Cautiously Pass the Truck
As you leave the blind spot, pass at a steady, consistent speed. Be patient and always pass one vehicle at a time. When you pass at night, ensure you are not using your high beams.
Return to the Lane
After passing the truck, proceed at a steady rate of speed until you see the truck at a distance in your rearview mirror. Signal and return to your lane.
How Not to Pass a Truck
Drivers should not do the following things when passing a large commercial truck:
- Do not pass on a downgrade—the truck will pick up speed when traveling downhill.
- Do not pass on a bridge, where there is limited space to avoid a collision.
- Do not cut in front of a large commercial truck.
- Never pass on the right side; be aware of the need for all large trucks to make broad sweeping turns.
If a Truck Passes You
Just as you may feel concerned when passing a commercial truck, you may also feel uneasy when a truck passes you. If this happens, remember to:
- Slow down.
- Stay to the right.
- Allow the truck to pass quickly—this will keep you safer as you will leave the truck’s blind spot more quickly.
- Be aware that the truck may create a wind gust when passing that might “pull” you out of your lane.
Traveling on the road with large trucks can be dangerous. If you are involved in an accident, Cullotta Bravo Law Group can help. We have experience in complex personal injury claims and can guide you through the claims process and answer your questions and concerns. To schedule a free consultation, call 630-898-7800 or contact us online for more information.
