The Plight of the Big Rigs

Drivers of big rigs have developed a reputation for "hogging the road." However, this reputation may be the result of motorists who have overlooked these professional drivers' difficult circumstances.

Many motorists are unaware that truck drivers must constantly fight a number of battles, not the least of which are limited vision and maneuverability problems. To a great extent, semi drivers are dependent upon the "little guy" to help him/her drive safely. By becoming aware of the big trucks' precarious situation, you increase everyone's safety.

Many accidents between semi trucks and cars happen because motorists drive in a truck's blind spot...or spots. Often motorists do not realize that a big rig has four blind spots that encompass wide areas. Not only do truck drivers have problems seeing what's beside them, they can't see what's directly behind them. In fact, if you're behind a large truck and you can't see its side mirrors, the driver can't see you.

Add to this vision problem the extra size and weight of a semi, and you have a vehicle that needs plenty of room to stop. This means that when passing a truck you should be able to see that truck's entire front in your rearview mirror before pulling into its lane. And afterwards, DO NOT SLOW DOWN.

More than a quarter-million traffic accidents occur each year between cars and trucks, according to a consortium of truck safety agencies. Most of the time weather, time of day, alcohol and bad roads are not the problem. The culprit is the car driver.

These safety agencies remind you to give a big truck plenty of room. Think about your position in relation to his and make certain you're not traveling in one of his blind spots. Be careful when traveling in front of trucks; their stopping time is delayed. And finally, remember that a semi truck is bigger than your vehicle. In the event of an accident, you're in much greater physical danger than the truck driver.

These Tips from the CarCareCounsil (1998)

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