Five Tips for Sharing the Road with a Truck in Florida

Driving close to a semi-truck can understandably be nerve-wracking. Especially if you are on the highway and going high speeds or in heavy traffic, having to share the road with those giants can cause anxiety in even the best of drivers. But it doesn’t have to be that way; practicing good awareness of your surroundings, proper driving techniques, and common driving courtesy can help you navigate your way around these road boats without thinking too much about it. Follow these tips for safely driving on the road with a semi, and make the driving experience more calm and enjoyable.

Be Cautious and Aware

Those signs on the semi that say “If you can’t see my mirrors I can’t see you” aren’t just there to make people fearful. If you follow too close to a semi, the driver really can’t see you. Just as in a car, there are blind spots where a passing car is invisible to the driver of the semi, and with semis, the same is true if a car is too close to the rear of the semi. If the driver can’t see you, the driver can’t react to you. This also helps you avoid things that may be thrown from the truck or the road.

Don’t Stop Suddenly

Semi-trucks take a much longer distance to stop than passenger cars or trucks. If you are in front of a semi and have to break, try to pull off on the side of the road. If you can’t do this, avoid stopping very suddenly in front of a semi-truck. You should always leave extra room between your car and the front of the semi-truck if possible, in case an emergency stop has to happen.

Pay Attention 

In all situations when you are driving, giving your driving and your surroundings your full attention is of the utmost importance. In 2018, distracted driving caused a tragic 2,800 deaths. You may think you are safe to stop paying attention for what seems to be just a quick second, but just the opposite is true. If you have to give your focus to something besides driving, instead simply find somewhere safe to pull over.

Dim Your Bright Lights When Near a Semi 

Dimming your brights should be common when passing other vehicles anyway, but especially around semis. The brightness of bright lights can cause temporary blindness for the semi driver. In a large vehicle that takes longer to do anything, this can be deadly.

Pass Safely and Quickly 

When passing a semi, do it as quickly as possible while still remaining safe, and always use your turn signals well in advance of the passing. There are significant blind spots on the sides of semis and if the semi needs to change lanes, they may not see you.

Have You Been in a Truck Accident in Florida?

Have you been involved in an accident with a semi-truck? These accidents can be quite serious and can have lasting effects on your life. If you’ve been the victim of a truck accident, then our Orlando truck accident attorneys at the Payer Law can help you get the much-needed restitution that you deserve. To schedule a free, no-risk case evaluation with our team of personal injury attorneys, please do not hesitate to reach out to us today.

Resource:

fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/large-blind-spots

https://www.payerlawgroup.com/what-are-the-dangers-of-drinking-and-driving-in-florida/