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Motorists have to interact with semi-trucks on a daily basis. Unfortunately, many are unaware that these vehicles operate differently than a typical driver. The misunderstanding causes accidents when passenger cars don’t follow truck safety standards and make mistakes. To avoid an incident, follow the tips below.

How to Maintain Passenger & Truck Safety 

1. Stay Alert

Though drivers must always be vigilant, it is especially important around semis. These trucks are much bigger and weigh considerably more than your vehicle, so it takes them longer to slow down and stop, in some instances up to 500 feet. Never cut off or pull out in front of one and always use signals before changing lanes. Also, stay off your phone and minimize other distractions that could cause you to accidentally swerve into other lanes or not be able to anticipate problems up ahead.

2. Pass on the Left

truck safetyWhenever you need to go around a semi, always do so on the left. The driver will not see you if you try to get by on the right. Also, as you are passing them, be quick and cautious about it. Don’t linger around any of their sides because many blind spots exist. Remember: if you cannot see the driver, they cannot see you. Moreover, you can increase truck safety by slightly slowing down whenever a semi drives by you to shorten the time it takes to happen. 

3. Keep a Good Distance Away

A lot can go wrong if you tailgate a semi. You won’t be able to see potholes or other debris in the road until it is too late. Passing becomes unsafe because you can’t notice what’s on the side of the truck, and if the driver goes to turn or stop, they’ll have no idea you are there. Ideally, keep at least a four-second distance between you and tractor-trailer, no matter if you are behind or in front of them. 

 

Before anyone can legally drive a commercial vehicle, they must receive thorough truck driver training. Since 1993, Professional Driver Institute has provided affordable CDL training and produced over 6,000 graduates in the Greater Rochester, NY area. The fully-licensed and -credited school emphasizes truck safety to ensure all future drivers abide by the strict rules of the profession. They also offer one-on-one interaction with professional drivers and instructors, job placement opportunities, and, in many instances, students can pass the program in just one month. To learn more about what they offer, call today at (585) 293-1203 and visit the website.

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