Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Trucks deserve respect: Give them some space
The people who drive big transport trucks are expert drivers, but even experts need some help and co-operation from drivers who share the road with them.
The weight and length of trucks limit their agility in traffic. Recognizing that fact can make life easier for truck drivers and safer for us all.
Blind spots are bigger
Trucks need more space to turn, can take much longer to stop and have large blind spots.
“You see quite a few trucks these days with signs on the back saying that if you can’t see their side-mounted mirrors, the driver can’t see you,” says Lou Gervino, manager of Driver Education at Manitoba Public Insurance. “It is so important to take that advice seriously, because if you can’t see the mirrors it means you’re following too closely.”
 |
Let them see you
Also, all trucks have a blind spot forward.
“A lot of people don’t realize that,” says Lou. “They’ll pass a big rig, pull in close in front and hit the brakes to make a turn. If the truck driver can’t see you, there’s little he or she can do to avoid a serious situation.”
When it comes to turning at intersections, trucks require a lot of room – and a lot of co-operation. Don’t try to pass a truck on the right or inside lane when it is turning wide from an outside lane. Wait, and let the truck complete its turn before proceeding.
“It’s common sense, and it’s common courtesy,” says Lou, who can be seen daily on The 60-Second Driver on CTV.
For more information, watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV, or visit the following sections on this website:
- No Zone in Road Safety
- Car/Truck Safety in The 60-Second Driver
- Blind Spots in The 60-Second Driver
- You can access a 60-Second video on Car/Truck Safety directly
