How to Share the Road When You Drive a Commercial Truck
Commercial trucks are large, heavy vehicles that take up a lot of room on the road. Unfortunately, motorists don’t always show truck drivers the respect they deserve. That’s why one of the most important aspects of truck driver training is leaning how to share the road safely. Whether you’re just starting to research truck driving schools in Portland or you already have your commercial driver’s license, these tips will help you share the road when operating a commercial truck.
Keep Your Distance
Commercial trucks are much heavier than passenger vehicles, which means they take longer to stop. To make sure you can bring your truck to a stop in the event of an emergency, leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. If a car cuts you off on the freeway, take your foot off the gas and slowly drop back until there is safe distance between your truck and the vehicle in front of you.
Beware the “No-Zone”
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s No-Zone Campaign is a highway safety initiative that educates people about the blind spots around large commercial trucks. You will learn all about these dangerous blind spots during your truck driving training, but you can’t assume that other highway users know about them as well. Keep an eye on cars entering and exiting the no-zone and make sure your turn signals and brake lights are working before each trip.
Make Yourself Visible
Speaking of turn signals and break lights, the lights on your commercial truck play a crucial part in sharing the road with others. Even though a commercial truck is hard to miss, driving with your lights on can increase your visibility and alert distracted drivers to your presence. Be sure to include a light check as part of your pre-trip inspection.