What Truck Drivers Wish Other Drivers Knew About Sharing the Road

Truck drivers spend countless hours on the road, navigating highways and city streets while transporting goods across the country. While they are highly trained professionals, they often face challenges due to unsafe driving behaviors from passenger vehicles. Many car drivers do not realize how different it is to drive an 18-wheeler compared to a regular car, which can lead to accidents and dangerous situations.

To promote safer roads for everyone, here’s a look at what truck drivers wish other drivers knew about sharing the road. Reviewing these factors could help you avoid a dangerous collision. If you have been involved in a collision in Northeast Ohio, contact a trusted Cleveland truck crash lawyer for assistance.

1. Trucks Have Large Blind Spots (No-Zones)

One of the biggest misunderstandings car drivers have about trucks is how large their blind spots are. While cars also have blind spots, trucks have much larger areas where the driver cannot see nearby vehicles. These "No-Zones" include:

• Directly behind the truck (If you can't see the truck’s side mirrors, the driver can’t see you.)
• Directly in front of the truck (Trucks take much longer to stop than cars.)
• Along the right side of the truck (This is the largest blind spot and the most dangerous area to be in.)
• On the left side, slightly behind the cab

What You Can Do:

• Avoid lingering in these blind spots for too long.
• Pass trucks quickly and safely instead of driving alongside them.
• If you can’t see the truck driver in their side mirror, assume they can’t see you either.

2. Trucks Take Much Longer to Stop

A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger car weighs about 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. Because of this massive weight difference, trucks need much more distance to stop safely.

Many car drivers cut off trucks without realizing that a truck cannot stop as quickly as a car. If a car merges too closely in front of a truck and then suddenly brakes, the truck may not be able to stop in time, leading to a rear-end collision.

What You Can Do:

• Never cut off a truck—always leave plenty of space when merging.
• Assume that a truck needs twice the stopping distance of a car.
• If you must pass a truck, do so well ahead of it to avoid forcing the driver to brake suddenly.

3. Wide Turns Are Necessary, Not Optional

Trucks need more space to turn safely, especially when making right turns. Unlike cars, trucks cannot turn sharply because of their long trailers. Instead, they need to swing wide to make a turn without hitting curbs, poles, or other vehicles.

Unfortunately, many car drivers try to squeeze into the gap between a turning truck and the curb, which can lead to a dangerous "squeeze play" motor vehicle accident where the car gets trapped and crushed.

What You Can Do:

• Never try to pass a truck on the right when it is turning.
• Be patient and allow the truck to complete its turn.
• Give trucks extra space at intersections.

4. Tailgating a Truck is Extremely Dangerous

Following too closely behind a truck is one of the most dangerous things a car driver can do. Since trucks are higher off the ground, a car that rear-ends a truck can slide underneath it, leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Additionally, because truck drivers cannot see directly behind their trailers, a tailgating car is completely invisible to them.

What You Can Do:

• Stay at least four to five car lengths behind a truck.
• If traffic stops suddenly, avoid braking too late behind a truck.
• If a truck is slowing down, be prepared to adjust your speed gradually instead of tailgating.

5. Trucks Struggle with Heavy Wind and Bad Weather

Because of their size, trucks are more affected by wind, rain, snow, and ice than passenger cars. High winds can cause a truck to sway or even tip over, while wet roads significantly increase stopping distances.

Car drivers often assume that trucks are just as stable as cars, but that’s not the case. A sudden lane change near a truck in strong winds or poor conditions can be extremely dangerous.

What You Can Do:

• Be extra cautious when passing trucks in high winds or bad weather.
• Avoid sudden movements near trucks, especially in rainy or icy conditions.
• If visibility is poor, assume truck drivers may have even less visibility than you do.

6. Truck Drivers Follow Strict Safety Rules

Many people believe that truck drivers are reckless or aggressive, but in reality, truckers must follow strict safety regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations include:

• Mandatory rest breaks and limited driving hours to prevent fatigue.
• Weight limits to ensure trucks do not exceed safe loads.
• Routine vehicle inspections to prevent mechanical failures.

Truck drivers undergo extensive training and are generally more experienced than regular drivers. However, many car accidents involving trucks are caused by reckless car drivers who don’t understand how to safely share the road.

What You Can Do:

• Recognize that truck drivers are trained professionals following strict safety laws.
• Drive with caution and patience when around large trucks.
• Avoid aggressive driving behaviors, such as cutting off, tailgating, or brake-checking trucks.

7. Flashing Lights and Hand Signals Are a Courtesy

Truck drivers often use their lights or hand signals to communicate with other drivers. For example:

• A trucker flashing their headlights may mean "Go ahead, merge in front of me."
• A trucker signaling with their hand might mean "Thank you for letting me in."
• If a truck flashes its lights behind you, it may be warning you that you're in a dangerous spot.

These signals help improve road safety by allowing truckers and car drivers to work together to avoid accidents.

What You Can Do:

• If a trucker lets you merge, give them a quick wave as a thank you.
• Avoid unnecessary honking or aggressive gestures.
• Pay attention to non-verbal communication from truckers to ensure safe driving interactions.

Sharing the road with large trucks requires awareness, patience, and understanding. Truck drivers face unique challenges that car drivers may not realize, and simple adjustments in driving behavior can prevent accidents and save lives.

By staying out of blind spots, giving trucks enough space, and respecting their driving limitations, you can help make the road a safer place for everyone.