Things to Avoid When Driving Near Big Rigs

Big rigs are common on Alabama roads, keeping local consumers and businesses stocked up with everything they need. Since they’re such a crucial part of the local and national economy, you should know how to drive safely around big rigs. Doing so keeps you and your loved ones safe.

Not sure what you can and can’t do when driving near a big rig? We’re here to help. And if you need more personalized help regarding a big rig truck accident, give Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell a call at our Chatom office at 251-336-3411 or our Bay Minette office at 251-336-3697 to set up a consultation.

Don’t Get Stuck in the Blind Spots

Trucks have massive blind spots—the FMCSA refers to them as “no zones”. These blind spots extend to all four sides of the vehicle. When you’re driving alongside a big rig, assume that they can’t see you if you can’t see yourself in their side mirror. When driving in front of or behind a truck, leave plenty of space to ensure that they can see you. This can make passing difficult, as passing too slowly could leave you in danger. Only pass when you can do so quickly and efficiently.

Do Not Follow Too Closely or Hover in the Front

This ties in closely with avoiding blind spots, but it’s important for an entirely different reason—trucks take much longer to stop than smaller passenger vehicles. If you are driving too closely in front of a big rig and have to make a sudden stop, what will happen?

There’s a good chance they’ll be unable to stop, and you’ll be hit. When you’re following too closely, you risk an underride accident if the truck stops before you can react. Underride accidents are often deadly, as they rip the top of the back vehicle off and can crush the vehicle’s occupants.

Don’t Go Around a Truck That is Turning

When a truck is turning right, the driver may swing out left a bit before executing the turn. This is normal, but you need to leave them enough space to complete their turn safely. If you are turning right and you don’t want to wait, do not sneak in the gap between the truck and the curb. When they finish their turn and get back into the appropriate lane, you risk being stuck between them and the curb. That could be fatal.

If you try to pass on the left, you could be struck as they continue to swing left. When navigating around a turning truck, leave far more space than you think you should. If you are turning right behind a truck that is also turning right, wait for them to complete their turn before beginning yours.

Don’t Brake Suddenly

Braking too quickly in front of a truck can cause a number of things to happen, and all of them are negative. As discussed earlier, a truck’s slow stopping time could lead to you being rear-ended. You could also cause a single-vehicle accident.

How? Sometimes, inexperienced truck drivers hit the brakes hard when a vehicle in front of them stops suddenly. This can cause the vehicle to swerve and eventually jackknife, causing the driver to lose all control of the vehicle. Drive in a predictable, safe, and boring manner around big rigs—everyone will thank you for it.

Don’t Get Road Rage

People tend to get incredibly irritated around big rigs. They may think they are too slow, too unwieldy, and take up too much space. This is not only incredibly unsafe, it’s just poor manners on the road. If you get aggressive with a big rig, they’re not the ones who will experience the worst of it—you are.

Remember that most big rigs have speed locks that prevent them from going above a set speed and that they have to drive more slowly in order to stop in a timely manner. If you are too frustrated to keep driving near a big rig, just go around.

Involved in a Truck Accident? Choose the Team at Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident, it’s time to find out if you are entitled to compensation. Reach out to the team at Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell now to set up a consultation at our Chatom office at 251-336-3411 or our Bay Minette office at 251-336-3697. You may also send us an online message through our secure