The sheer weight and size of big rigs present their drivers with some unique challenges. Defensive driving is particularly important due to limited visibility and increased stopping distance of big rigs. Whether you’re driving a semi or performing big rig towing, be proactive about keeping yourself and others safe on the road.

Safety Tips for Big Rig Towing & Driving

1. Follow the Seven Second Rule

The seven second rule ensures a safe following distance. When the vehicle in front of you passes a landmark such as a road sign, count how long it takes you to reach that same landmark. It should be no less than seven seconds. This gives you plenty of space to slow down or pull away if something goes wrong ahead of you. Give yourself even more of a cushion in icy or rainy conditions.

2. Use Cruise Control Carefully

Cruise control can be a distance trucker’s best friend, but only if it’s used in the right circumstances. Don’t use it in wet or icy conditions, in heavy traffic, or on winding roads. Reserve this tool for straightaway freeways in the middle of nowhere with light traffic around you.

3. Stay in Your Lane

Semis and big rig towing trucks have some large blind spots, and other vehicles will try to speed past you if they can. As a result, the chance of an accident increases significantly when you make a lane change. Stay in the far right lane when you’re on the freeway, and don’t move over unless it's absolutely necessary. When you’re entering an urban area, move over to give merging vehicles some space.

Even with defensive driving, accidents can happen. It’s in these cases that you’ll want an experienced big rig towing service to get you safely to the shop. Buckeye Riverside Towing is the heavy-duty recovery team serving Cincinnati, OH, and the Tri-State area. Their heavy-duty wrecker service includes a fleet of flatbed tow trucks and rollback services. Learn more on their website and call (513) 244-7200 at any time for an affordable towing service. Their team is standing by to help!