How to Safely Share the Highway with Trucks

Sharing the road with large trucks requires awareness, patience, and respect for their unique challenges. Trucks significantly outweigh and outsize passenger vehicles, making them slower to stop, harder to maneuver, and prone to massive blind spots. To safely and smoothly coexist with trucks on highways, follow these practical tips:

Know the Blind Spots (“No Zones”)

Large trucks have extensive blind spots—called “no zones“—on all four sides. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA) , these blind spots can extend:

• Up to 20 feet directly in front
• Up to 200 feet directly behind
• Along both sides, especially the right, stretching nearly the full length of the truck

Pass with Purpose

When overtaking trucks:

• Always pass on the left side, where visibility is better.
• Move past promptly—avoid lingering alongside the truck.
• Only merge back into the lane once the truck’s entire front is visible in your rearview mirror.

Don’t Cut Them Off

Trucks require much more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. Abruptly squeezing in front of a truck leaves no room for safe braking, greatly increasing collision risk. Always provide generous space when merging or changing lanes in front of a truck.

Keep a Safe Distance

Maintain at least a four-second following distance behind trucks. This safety cushion allows ample reaction time if the truck slows or stops suddenly and helps keep you visible to the truck driver.

Watch for Wide Turns

Large trucks often need extra room to execute wide turns. Never try to slip between a turning truck and the curb, median, or another vehicle. Stay back and allow the truck adequate space to complete its maneuver safely.

Brace for Wind and Debris

Trucks traveling at highway speeds can generate strong wind gusts. Hold your steering wheel firmly when passing or being overtaken by a truck. Keeping additional distance also helps you avoid potential road hazards such as tire blowouts or flying debris.

Signal Early and Clearly

Truck drivers rely heavily on your signals to anticipate your moves. Clearly and early signal your lane changes, merges, or exits, allowing trucks sufficient time to adjust accordingly.

Stay Sharp, Eliminate Distractions

Distracted driving, such as texting or eating, is particularly hazardous near trucks due to their limited agility and delayed reaction times. Maintain full concentration on the road when sharing it with large vehicles.

Adapt to Weather Conditions

Trucks are especially vulnerable during adverse weather conditions like high winds, rain, snow, or fog. When weather deteriorates, reduce speed, increase your following distance, and heighten your vigilance.

Truck Drivers Have Responsibilities Too

Safety on the highway is a shared responsibility. Truck drivers are equally responsible for ensuring their vehicles are operated safely and comply with all safety regulations. For example, federal law requires trucks to be clearly marked with reflective conspicuity tape along their sides and rear. This tape significantly improves a truck’s visibility, especially at night or during poor weather conditions. Properly maintaining reflective markings, conducting regular vehicle inspections, and adhering strictly to hours-of-service regulations are key duties truck drivers must uphold to help maintain highway safety. For more detailed information on trucking safety standards, visit the American Trucking Association.

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Bottom line: Respecting trucks’ limitations and practicing defensive driving habits greatly reduce highway risks. Awareness, patience, clear communication, and focused attention ensure safer travels for everyone.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. Please understand and follow local laws and specific state regulations

  This article draws on leading traffic safety research to shed light on to share the road with trucks . Brought to you by Traffic Safety Store—visit trafficsafetystore.com for the gear that helps keep roads safe.

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