Below are safety guidelines compiled by our firm to ensure safe passage for you and your loved ones on Texas highways, and roads throughout the nation:
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Avoid blind spots.
Truck and bus drivers have large No-Zones (blind
spots) on both sides. A rule of thumb is that if
you cannot see the driver’s face in the
side-view mirror, the driver cannot see you. If
your car is next to a large truck, drive past
the truck if you can do so safely, or maintain a
safe distanced behind the truck. If you are
passing, drive your car on the left side where
the blind spot is smaller.
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Never cut in front of a truck.
They require a greater stopping distance, and if
you force a semi truck to stop quickly, a serious
accident could result.
When passing, look for the front of the semi
truck in your rear-view mirror before pulling in
front.
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Always wear your seat belt.
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Never follow a large truck too closely.
Keep 20 to 25 car lengths between the front of
your vehicle and the back of a large truck. This
extra distance will allow you to see in front of
the truck. In case there is congested traffic or
an accident up ahead, you will see it in time to
stop or safely steer your car away from the
danger.
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Don't get squeezed.
Semi truck drivers need to swing wide to the left
in order to negotiate a right turn. When truck
drivers make wide right turns, they can't see
smaller vehicles directly behind or beside them.
Never get between the truck and a curb, or you
may be in a "squeeze" and suffer serious
injuries.
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Never drink and drive.
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Use extra caution when passing.
After passing, do not pull your car back into the truck’s traffic lane until you
can see its headlights in your rear view mirror.
-
Watch brake lights. When sharing the highway with a big rig, pay
close attention to its brake lights and signals
and act accordingly.
-
Always remember
that a loaded tractor-trailer or semi truck
needs as much as 100 yards -- the length of a
football field -- to come to a complete stop. No
matter how crowded the highway, make sure to
maintain this safe distance. If the truck driver
ignores this margin of safety and follows your
car too closely, do not take a chance. Move your
car into another traffic lane.
-
Be cautious of others on the roadway.
Aggressive and inattentive drivers place others
at risk. They can also contribute to a semi
truck accident that involves an innocent and
safe-driving third party. Stay away from
aggressive and inattentive drivers.
- Always use your turn signals when changing lanes. Drivers around you need to know what you are doing to maintain safe driving distances.
