5 Things Truck Drivers Wish Car Drivers Would Remember
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2015
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2
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English
Documents
2015
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5 Things Truck Drivers Wish Car Drivers Would Remember
Every day a battle rages on the streets and highways of America. It is not a battle that consciously pits truck drivers
against car drivers for road supremacy; rather, it is a battle that is largely due to ignorance and misunderstanding. What
is this battle? It is the battle the truck driver undergoes to make sure he/she does not accidentally injure someone else
on the road. Some days it is easy, other days it can be a nightmare.
America's big rigs are large and heavy vehicles capable of causing real problems when involved in accidents. It takes a
driver's total concentration to stay safe while also maintaining delivery schedules. To that end, there are a number of
things truck drivers wish their car driving counterparts knew and/or understood. These five things would make the road
safer for everyone. They are as follows:
1. We Can't See You
Saying trucks have blind spots is a lot like saying Dubai's Burj Khalifa is a tall building. The truth is that trucks have huge
blind spots because of the length of their trailers. Car drivers should understand that they cannot always be seen when
they pull up alongside a tractor-trailer. Furthermore, cars going extremely fast and making abrupt lane changes to pass a
truck can be all but invisible.
2. We Can't Stop Quickly
The sheer size and weight of big rigs dictates they cannot stop very quickly. Car drivers should be cognizant of this fact, to
the extent that they are willing to use longer braking distances themselves. Truck drivers should always be doing their
best to remain a safe distance behind cars in front of them, but this might not always be possible during times of heavy
congestion. Therefore, quick stops and starts by car drivers only make an already dangerous situation worse.
3. We Need More Cornering Room
Tractor-trailers need a lot more room when turning corners – especially when turning to the right. This is why it is not
uncommon in urban environments to see a truck occupying as much space to the left as possible just before entering a
right-hand turn. Car drivers need to pay attention to this so that they do not pull up along the right side of a truck just as
it is turning. Give trucks plenty of room to make those turns.
4. Our Acceleration Is Terrible
Where a car might be able to get from 0 to 60 mph in a matter of seconds, a fully loaded truck could take minutes to get
there. Car drivers should be aware, avoiding the temptation to quickly dart around a truck when accelerating from a full
stop. The practice of darting around trucks is dangerous for both car and truck drivers alike.
5. We Need Time to Back In
This last one is a matter of convenience rather than safety. Here it is – truck drivers need time to back into loading docks.
When that means backing from the street, traffic may have to be blocked temporarily in order to allow a truck in. The
fact is that truck drivers have to move slowly and carefully. There is nothing to be done about it, so there is no point in
getting angry. When car drivers are willing to simply stop, relax for a few minutes and let the driver do his/her thing,
traffic resumes very quickly.
Truck driving is a great career with lots to offer. If you have ever considered becoming a driver, C.R. England would like
the opportunity to speak with you. We have openings for new drivers, company drivers, contractors and teams.
Source:
1. C.R. England - http://www.crengland.com/
