Driving behind a large truck
Driving alongside a large truck
Driving behind a large truck
Driving near a large truck in Hawaii can be intimidating but it can also be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. If a worst-case scenario occurs and you get into an accident with a large truck out on the highway, it can easily result in serious injury or even death. So, you will want to take extreme caution and drive as safely as possible around any large trucks. Here are some tips for driving safely behind a large truck:
- Keep a safe distance – Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the truck in front of you. The general rule is to stay at least two full car lengths behind the truck. This will allow you enough time to react if the truck suddenly stops or slows down significantly.
- Avoid blind spots – Large trucks have blind spots on both sides and behind them. Try to stay out of these areas and be aware of where the truck driver may not be able to see you. If you can’t see the truck driver’s mirrors, they can’t see you.
- Do not tailgate – Do not tailgate the truck in front of you. This is dangerous and can cause a serious accident if the truck suddenly stops or slows down. Keep a safe distance and be patient.
- Pass with caution – If you need to pass the truck, do it with caution. Make sure that you signal before you pass and that you have plenty of room to do so. Don’t pass on the right side of the truck because this is the truck driver’s blind spot.
- Be alert – Pay attention to what’s happening around you, especially to what the large truck near you is doing. Watch for turn signals, brake lights, and other signs that the truck driver may be preparing to slow down, change lanes or turn.
Driving alongside a large truck
Driving safely alongside a large truck will mean you need to drive more defensively. Use the following advice to help you drive safely alongside a large truck:
- Give large trucks space – Large trucks are much heavier and longer than cars. This means that they take longer to stop and have wider turning radiuses. Keep this in mind when driving alongside a truck and give them plenty of space.
- Never drive in the truck’s blind spots – Large trucks have blind spots on both sides and behind them. These are areas where the truck driver cannot see other vehicles. Avoid driving in these blind spots and stay visible at all times to the truck’s driver.
- Pass the truck safely – If you need to pass the truck, do it safely. Use your turn signals and make sure you have plenty of room to pass. Pass quickly but don’t speed. Never pass the truck on the right side, as this is the truck driver’s blind spot.
- Stay focused – When driving alongside a large truck, stay focused on the road ahead. Avoid distractions like cell phones and personal conversations.
- Keep a safe distance – Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the truck in front of you. This gives you enough time to react if the truck suddenly stops or slows down.
- Be patient – Large trucks are slower and harder to maneuver than cars. Do not get overzealous and try to pass a large truck in an unsafe manner or in an unsafe location.
