Share the Road

Sharing the Road with Trucks

Keep in mind, when you are driving to work and see a truck, remember that the truck driver is already at work – his truck is actually his or her office. Drive safely by following these tips:

Don’t cut in front. Trucks take longer to brake than cars and therefore often leave themselves a cushion to allow space to stop. That space is not an invitation to cut in. Doing so only diminishes the truck driver’s cushion of safety and puts everyone involved at risk.

Watch for Blind Spots. Trucks have blind spots: when you linger beside one, the truck driver may not be able to recognize that you’re there. These blind spots exist in several spaces around the vehicle: Try to avoid lingering in the following spots:

• the left side of a truck between the cab and the trailer
• the right side between the cab and the trailer
• the right side directly next to the cab.

Safe Driving Tips

Let's try to share our state highways with one goal in mind: Safety first!

• Always wear a safety belt, and make sure everyone else on board is buckled up.
  
• Use alternate routes to avoid traffic congestion.
  
• Signal turns well in advance of changing lanes.
  
• Turn on your headlights in low light or inclement weather to help those around you to see your vehicle.
  
• Do not tailgate or rubberneck.
  
• Always pay attention to your driving and the road conditions ahead of you. If possible, look ahead ¼ of a mile, and always leave yourself an out.
  
• Get a map and plan your trip before driving.
  
• Avoid stopping on highways, especially if you miss your exit. Remember: the most dangerous speed on the highway is zero.

Rear Detection Systems

NPRM to Require a Rear Detection System for Single-Unit Trucks
The agency estimates that approximately 79 fatalities per year (13 on-road and 66 off-road) and 148 injuries per year are attributable to straight trucks backing up. The agency believes that requiring a rear detection system will reduce the number of fatalities, injuries, and property damage crashes by giving truck operators the ability to detect objects behind the truck. In this analysis, we examine two possible counter-measures: a cross-view mirror system and a camera system.