When sharing the road with large trucks, there are many safety factors to consider. There are over 250,000 collisions between trucks and passenger vehicles every year, many of which happen in broad daylight in good weather.1 Various safety products can reduce the risk of getting into an accident with an 18-wheeler.
Suburban Seating & Safety supplies semi-truck safety equipment such as:
- Digital Mirrors
- Digital Back-Up Monitors
- Rear View Cameras
- Aerodynamic Heated Mirrors
- “Noiseless” Back-Up Alarms
Various types of seat belts, straps, and tethers are available as well. Truck drivers must be as protected as all other drivers are. Compared to standard passenger vehicles, the hazards they face include larger blind spots, also called no-zones, which are factors in one-third of car/truck accidents.2 No zones are located in the front, back, and sides of a semi-truck; therefore, maintain a distance of at least 30 feet behind the truck and 20 feet in front of it.3
There are winter driving safety tips to consider as well. Anytime there is water or snow on the road, large trucks can splash or spray it very easily. Given their size, a lot of wet material can be thrown into the air and onto the windshield of nearby vehicles.
Sharing the Road Safely
It’s also important for drivers to be careful when sharing the roads with large trucks. That includes knowing how to pass a semi truck. To do so safely, drive at a safe, steady speed and make sure the truck’s cab is visible in your rear-view mirror before you steer in front of it. For the best visibility, pass on the left so you can see how much space you have. Also:
- Reduce your speed when a truck is passing you.
- Avoid passing trucks backing up or preparing to.
- Don’t cut to the right of a turning truck.
- Avoid using high-beam headlights near a truck.
- Don’t follow a truck too closely.
Fatigue is often associated with truck drivers who work long hours, but it can affect automobile drivers as well. It’s always important to rest and stay focused when you are driving.
Suburban Seating & Safety stocks common safety equipment and accessories that can protect truckers, passenger vehicle drivers/occupants, and pedestrians. Browse our inventory or contact us at 844-727-7328 today!
Sources:
- http://www.usroads.com/journals/rilj/9909/ri990903.htm
- https://www.allstate.com/blog/highway-driving-safety-tips/
- https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/tips-driving-safely-around-large-trucks-or-buses
