Tips For Traveling The Roads Alongside 18-Wheelers

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One of the most common fears among new drivers is to be on the road next to a huge 18-wheeler.  The vehicles are huge, and the sudden swaying of the trailer is often a source of instant anxiety for drivers on the roads.

However, driving alongside tractor trailers doesn’t have to be a dangerous event.  If you understand the plight of the driver, it makes it easier to see the safety as you ride.

Take a moment to read through a brief look into a few tips for traveling the roads alongside 18-wheelers, and upgrade your driving skills today.

Understanding the weight truckers carry

A big truck can be carrying thousands of pounds of cargo at any given time.  Though the big rig has brakes that are built to stop the load, truckers still are not able to stop on a dime.

If you cut in front of a trucker and slow down, you place yourself and the truck driver in a scary position.  You can easily cause a major trucking accident with this behavior.  It’s best to give 18-wheelers their space on the road.  Don’t crowd them, and definitely don’t cut them off.

Understand the blindspots

Truckers cannot see 360 degrees all around their vehicles.  They do have specialized mirrors to grant them views they wouldn’t have otherwise, but there are a few places that remain blind.

Learn where the trucking blind spots are, and work to keep your vehicle moving through them quickly while out on the roads.  A general rule of thumb is that if you can’t see the trucker’s mirrors, then they cannot see you.

Understanding the culture

It’s wise to understand the culture of truck drivers.  They have had a bad rep in the past, but truckers are not just a bundle of mean spirits out to cause havoc on the roads.  Truckers are just like you and me.  They have a code, and they take their job very seriously.

Keep it moving on down the road

The best way to compliment truckers while out on the road is to keep it moving.  When you’re passing a truck, don’t hover beside the big rig.  The wind is a powerful force that truckers constantly battle.  When you ride beside a trailer, you face the danger of a large gust of wind.

Communication is always important

Truckers have plenty of methods of communication on the road.  If you’ve ever seen a trucker flash his headlights, he’s not trying to warn you of a speed trap up ahead.

Truckers flash their headlights as a way of saying the way is clear, and then again to say thank you for the go-ahead.  Next time you see a trucker flash his lights, take the time to return the favor.

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