5 Safety Tips for Driving Near and Around Trucks

When a small car gets into an accident with a large commercial truck, the results can be devastating. The sheer mass and force inherent in the size of truck can mean even the most minor collisions with the can mean severe injuries or even death.

Driving near or around commercial trucks can be dangerous, so always take the necessary precautions. Keep in mind that you have fewer blind spots, more room to maneuver, and have a shorter stopping distance compared to truck drivers. Use these to your advantage, and keep the following tips in mind to reduce the overall risks for an accident when driving beside a truck.

1. Patience is the key

The size of the truck makes it slower than your passenger car. Unfortunately, this also means that it can do more damage to you than the other way around. Practice utmost patience when driving around trucks. Giving the truck a few extra seconds is a small price to pay.

2. Give the truck plenty of space

Trucks need more room on the roadway than passenger vehicles. Always drive at a distance of at least four car lengths behind a truck to give yourself enough time to react in case the truck brakes all of a sudden. Never attempt to pass a truck from the right, as you could end up getting trapped between the truck and the sidewalk.

3. Make sure the truck driver sees you

If you cannot see the truck's mirrors, that means you are in the truck's blind spot. As you approach a truck from behind, position yourself where you can see the truck's mirrors to decrease the risk of driving into the truck's blind spot and facing an accident. Likewise, when the truck is passing you, give the truck the right of way and reduce your speed. By giving the truck more space to pass safely, you get out of the truck's blind spot faster.

4. Take extra precautions at intersections and inclines

When a truck is turning, don't try to get ahead. Allow the truck to complete its turn before trying to pass it. Additionally, when you're traveling uphill or downhill, the truck may decrease or increase in speed as the driver sees fit, so keep a good distance behind the truck in these areas and don't make any attempts to pass.

5. Stay vigilant

You can't afford to be distracted around a truck. Check your mirrors regularly, be alert at all times, and avoid distractions such as texting, phone calls, eating, or adjusting the AC or radio. Most of all, make sure you and your passengers are wearing your seatbelt.

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • Omoda, Jaecoo showcase latest NEV models at Auto Shanghai 2025
    Omoda, Jaecoo showcase latest NEV models at Auto Shanghai 2025
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • Geely Auto unveils Galaxy Cruiser concept SUV at Auto Shanghai 2025
    Geely Auto unveils Galaxy Cruiser concept SUV at Auto Shanghai 2025
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • 2025 Mazda BT-50 to spice up PH pick-up truck segment
    2025 Mazda BT-50 to spice up PH pick-up truck segment
    Ruben Manahan IV . Apr 23, 2025
  • Nissan joins hybrid truck race with all-new Frontier Pro PHEV unveiling at Auto Shanghai 2025
    Nissan joins hybrid truck race with all-new Frontier Pro PHEV unveiling at Auto Shanghai 2025
    Paulo Papa . Apr 23, 2025
  • New Bentley Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, Flying Spur debut at Auto Shanghai 2025
    New Bentley Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, Flying Spur debut at Auto Shanghai 2025
    Paulo Papa . Apr 23, 2025
  • Here’s what inside the BYD eMAX 7
    Here’s what inside the BYD eMAX 7
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 23, 2025
  • BYD Shark 6 DMO vs. Changan Nevo Hunter REEV
    BYD Shark 6 DMO vs. Changan Nevo Hunter REEV
    Paulo Papa . Apr 23, 2025
  • Here’s what to expect on the road this Holy Week
    Here’s what to expect on the road this Holy Week
    Paulo Papa . Apr 16, 2025
  • Here are some iconic Manila churches you can check out for Visita Iglesia via the NLEX Connector
    Here are some iconic Manila churches you can check out for Visita Iglesia via the NLEX Connector
    Paulo Papa . Apr 16, 2025
  • Suzuki Dzire Hybrid: strengths and weaknesses
    Suzuki Dzire Hybrid: strengths and weaknesses
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 16, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • Ensure your vehicle is Summer road trip-ready by following these tips
    Ensure your vehicle is Summer road trip-ready by following these tips
    Paulo Papa . Mar 06, 2025
  • First drive: Changan Lumin
    First drive: Changan Lumin
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 22, 2025
  • JAC JS4: from daily drives to ‘vacay’ vibes
    JAC JS4: from daily drives to ‘vacay’ vibes
    Paulo Papa . Apr 22, 2025
  • First drive: Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM
    First drive: Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM
    Paulo Papa . Apr 03, 2025
  • Changan CS15: no-fuss daily driver
    Changan CS15: no-fuss daily driver
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 27, 2025
  • First drive: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line
    First drive: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line
    Paulo Papa . Mar 21, 2025