Wide Open Spaces - How To Share The Roads Peacefully With Trucks
On your local news program, you may hear stories about an "out
of control" truck wiping out a car load of people or destroying
property. The media sensationalizes the facts, often putting
most of the blame with the truckers. However, many times that is
not the case. For the most part, truckers are responsible
drivers who are diligent about road safety. Not only are they
making sure they adhere to the rules of the road, but they also
have to keep an eye on the nincompoop drivers of passenger
vehicles who think they are the exception to the rules.
There are a few common problems that truckers come across with
motorists. These problems are often also the ones most sited on
insurance claims. Are you guilty of any of these practices?:
1. Brake this habit - Everyone at one point or another gets
stuck behind a large truck. So the most logical next step is to
change lanes to pass the truck. No problems with that ... the
problem lies in a vehicle cutting back into the truck's lane
right in front of them, then braking for a turn or just slowing
down, period. What most motorists don't take into account is
that truckers need a lot of space in order to slow down, at
least two to three times the amount of passenger vehicles.
2. Peek-a-boo! - Now you see them, now you don't. This
peek-a-boo game is very troublesome to truckers. Large trucks
have several blind spots which make it hard for the drivers to
see other motorists who like to hang out there. The best thing
that you can do is either pass the truck or stay a comfortable
distance behind them. When in doubt, check for the trucker's
side view mirrors. If you can see them, then chances are that
they might be able to see you too.
3. Back up and try again - In this day and age of technology,
people are more accustomed to instant results and hate waiting
for anything. Unfortunately, when big trucks have to back into a
space, it may take a few tries to succeed. Motorists should
appreciate the fact that these trucks are bigger than they are
and let the truckers do their job. Patience can be a virtue!
4. Teach a lesson - Some drivers of passenger vehicles like to
try and "teach" truckers a lesson. Sometimes, drivers think that
the big trucks are either going too fast or slow. So they'll
speed up to pass the trucker, then get back in the trucker's
lane and slow down! Many parents tell their kids, "Worry about
yourself," and it would be smart for other motorists to heed
that advice. Leave it to the troopers and policemen to enforce
the laws of the road.
Common sense is what all these problems boil down to. Each
person driving on the road is in charge of themselves. By
exercising a little of that common sense, many accidents
involving big trucks and passenger vehicles could be avoided.
That old adage, "It is better to be safe than sorry," certainly
applies!