Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Transport trucks and passenger vehicles: sharing the road
Whatever our beautiful Manitoba summer holds for you – whether it’s camping or relaxing at the cottage – you can expect to do more driving soon.
And that means you’re more likely to be around transport trucks. Why not be prepared to share the road with them?
Here’s how:
Avoid trucks’ blind spots
Transport trucks have blind spots on all four sides. Stay clear of them with this guideline: If you can’t see the driver’s face in the truck’s side-view mirror, the driver can’t see you. Don’t stay beside the truck for any reason.
Pass properly, by following these tips
Keep two hands on the wheel when passing, because wind gusts can move your vehicle off course. Don’t dawdle when you pass. Avoid staying in the passing lane too long because the truck driver may not see you. Make sure you can see the cab of the truck in your rearview mirror before moving back into the driving lane and maintain your speed once you get there.
Keep your distance
If a transport truck is following you, remember this: at 90 kilometres per hour, a semi takes 25 per cent longer to stop than a car. What’s more, if you’re too close to the front of the truck, the driver may not see you. So for safety’s sake, give yourself more room behind your car, in case you need to slow down quickly or stop suddenly.
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
