Tips for Driving Next to a Semi
Stay out of blind spots
20 feet ahead
30 feet behind
lane on drivers side extending back half of the trailer length
two lanes wide in trucks right side
and remember if you can not see them in the side mirrors they can’t see you
Always use your signal
using your signal gives them time to adjust and accommodate to your actions.
It takes them longer to stop and switch lanes so never make a sudden move around them
Give them space
always drive at least 4 seconds behind them
being to close causes a threat to both you and the driver
sudden breaking can cause the semis trailer to slide under the cab
high winds can cause roll overs
and tire blow outs can cause damage to both if it were to fly up and into your car
Be cautious when passing
Avoid passing while going up or down hill as their speed may change
pass on the left side as the driver can see you best on that side, also wait to merge back until you can see the driver in your review mirror
Avoid Distraction
Texting, eating, making phone calls, and many more things take your focus off the road and puts everyone in danger
When you’re behind the wheel driving is your only job.
Icy Weather Driving
Keep a bundle of warm clothes in car incase of emergency
Maintain your tires, make sure there is enough air in them
Keep at least a half take of fuel at all times
Never use cruise control on a slippery area such as ice or snow
Drive slow- adjust speed for lower traction
Accelerate and decelerate slowly- to avoid skids slow down and speed up slowly
Don’t stop if you can- let of the gas farther away from stops in hope of not making a full stops