How to Share The Road As A Truck Driver

Many “Share the Road” initiatives speak to the drivers of passenger vehicles and focus on how to drive around large trucks, motorcyclists, etc. This approach is good to learn from, but truck drivers must also look at how they drive around others and practice similar techniques. Read the information below and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to Share The Road.

RECOGNIZE THE HAZARDS

ENVIRONMENT

Driving in construction zones, in congested traffic, and in urban areas with bike lanes and pedestrians—all of these situations have the potential for hazards to appear suddenly. In addition, sharing the road with emergency vehicles and vehicles stopped on the side of the road are hazards truck drivers must account for.

EQUIPMENT

Large blind spots make it difficult to see others around the truck, like cars, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists—all of which come out in full force during the summer months. Likewise, making wide turns can lead to your truck encroaching on adjacent lanes.

PERSONAL BEHAVIORS

Aggressive driving including hopping lanes, tailgating, distracted driving, and failing to yield the right of way are risky behaviors that can cause a preventable crash.

KNOW THE DEFENSE

MOVE OVER

Slow down and move over for emergency vehicles. It is the law in all 50 states. Also, move over for vehicles stopped on the side of the road. Be alert for pedestrians changing a tire or servicing a disabled vehicle.

MANAGE THE SPACE AROUND YOUR TRUCK

Monitor the blind spots all around the truck by making quick glances to mirrors. Keep the windshield and dashboard clear and uncluttered. Before changing lanes, use the “lean and look” method to verify the right front corner of the tractor is clear. If you think a motorcycle is present, slow down to ensure that the rider clears the tractor before you change lanes.

SLOW DOWN

If a vehicle cuts in front of you or is tailgating your trailer, slow down and add more following distance. Giving yourself more room to stop allows you to slow down gradually when traffic ahead slows or stops. Also, be mindful that motorcyclists may downshift to slow down, so you may not see a brake light to indicate they are slowing.

YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY

Any time the right of way is in question, it is safest to yield to others. Also, allow other vehicles to merge when their lanes are ending, and do not encroach on other traffic lanes, like designated bike lanes. Keep in mind, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as automobile drivers on public streets.

AVOID DISTRACTIONS

Put away mobile devices before driving, and avoid other bad habits, like eating, drinking, and adjusting the radio while driving. Keep your focus on the task of driving.

 

 This material is intended to be a broad overview of the subject matter and is provided for informational purposes only. Great West Casualty Company does not provide legal advice to its insureds or other  parties, nor does it advise insureds or other parties on employment-related issues, therefore the subject matter is not intended to serve as legal or employment advice for any issue(s) that may arise in the operations of its insureds or other parties. Legal advice should always be sought from legal counsel. Great West Casualty Company shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, action, or inaction alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the information contained herein.Reprinted with permission from Great West Casualty Company.