Truck drivers are professionals.They have to have a special Commercial Drivers License(CDL)and Department of Transportation(DOT)physical.They are subject to random and after-accident drug screenings.They must inspect their equipment every day.All of this is to insure the safe and efficient delivery of their loads.There are bad apples in every business and,hopefully,the general public won't think of them as the norm.Most truck drivers are honest,hardworking people who want to earn a living and make it back home to their families.Below are a few things to remember when sharing the road with big trucks.

1.) When merging onto the highway,try to be up to speed with road 
traffic.Trucks take longer to slow down and can't always change lanes.

2.) When passing a truck,try not to hang out at the trailer wheels. Either speed up a bit and pass or lower your speed a mile or two.Trucks need that lane open to change lanes for merging traffic.

3.) Most intersections have a wide,white line painted on the road a 
distance from the stoplight.Try to stop your car behind this line.
Trucks need extra turn space to clear street corners.
 

4.) When driving behind a truck,try to stay far enough back to see the side mirrors on the cab.Drive a little to one side of the road or the other so the driver can see you.
 

5.) When passing a truck,try to allow at least 3 car lengths between you and the front bumper of the truck.Many trucks have long hoods and if you pull in too early,the driver can't see you.
 

6.) In rest areas,try not to park in the truck parking section. Alot of the time,it's the only place a tired driver has to take a nap.
 
 

7.) When driving down an interstate highway,try to use cruise control,if you have it.Trucks use cruise control for fuel efficiency and speed control.Having to change gears for a car not maintaining a constant speed slows a truck down,making all traffic slow down.
 
 

8.) When your child makes the "Honk your Horn" motion (hand closed into a fist and pumping up and down) try to acknowledge that you see the driver.They don't want to  honk the horn in heavy traffic without you knowing,in fear of startling you.Drivers really like honking their horns and waving at kids.