You have a small passenger car. You love the fact that it saves you money on gasoline and that it doesn’t hurt the environment as much as a larger vehicle. The only problem is that it’s not very safe if you’re in a crash with a large truck.
You drive on the highway regularly, and that draws attention to the risks you face. There were several times where you thought that day would be your last because of a trucker not seeing you and trying to come into your lane.
What can you do to stay safer in a small passenger vehicle? Here are a few helpful tips.
1. Stay out of the driver’s “no zone.”
The “no zone” is an area around the truck that is more or less invisible to the driver. Even with mirrors in place, it’s hard for drivers to see passenger cars alongside their trailers or directly behind them. To avoid a crash, keep a distance. If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, he or she can’t see you.
2. Give trucks plenty of space
Trucks take longer to stop, and as such, you must give the driver more notice if you plan to stop or pull into his or her lane. Don’t cut off the truck, since the driver may not be able to stop in time to avoid rear-ending you.
3. Report dangerous activities
Finally, report any truck driver who isn’t driving safely. If you see the vehicle start to go off the road, a driver who is falling asleep or working on paperwork behind the wheel or swerving in and out of the lanes, it’s time to call the police. They can investigate to find out if the driver is okay. In the meantime, back off and allow the truck to have more space.