Tweet
Trucks on the road have specific rules to ensure safety for themselves and other drivers. These rules include maintaining adequate following distance, understanding "no-zones" or blind spots, using turn signals, and being aware of their vehicle's size and stopping distance. Additionally, truck drivers must adhere to hours of service regulations, which limit driving time to prevent fatigue.
Key Rules of the Road for Trucks:
- Safe Following Distance:
Truck drivers generally need to maintain a longer following distance than passenger vehicles, especially at higher speeds. A good rule of thumb is one second of following distance for every 10 feet of vehicle length when traveling below 40 mph, with additional seconds added for safety at higher speeds. - Understanding "No-Zones":
Large trucks and buses have significant blind spots. Drivers should be aware of these "no-zones" and avoid lingering in them. If you can't see the truck driver in their side mirror, they likely can't see you. - Using Turn Signals:
Trucks need to signal lane changes well in advance to give other drivers ample time to react. - Awareness of Stopping Distance:
Trucks, especially those heavily loaded, require a significantly longer stopping distance than passenger vehicles. Cutting them off or trying to stop abruptly in front of them can be extremely dangerous. - Hours of Service Regulations:
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the maximum driving time for commercial truck drivers to prevent fatigue-related accidents. These regulations often involve a 14-hour driving window with an 11-hour driving limit and mandatory rest breaks. - Yielding the Right of Way:
Truck drivers must yield the right of way to other vehicles when appropriate, such as when merging or entering traffic. - Getting Out and Looking (G.O.A.L.):
Before backing up, truck drivers should get out of the truck, assess the surroundings, and ensure it's safe to back up. - Avoiding Distractions:
Truck drivers should minimize distractions while driving, such as cell phone use. - Being Aware of Local Laws:
Truck drivers need to be familiar with local traffic laws and regulations specific to the areas they are driving in. - Passing Safely:
When passing a truck, drivers should ensure they have sufficient clear space and visibility before completing the pass. - Do Not Hang Out in the Center Lane: .The center and left lanes are for passing. Using them just to be riding in them, interferes with other traffic. It causes people to get annoyed and eventually cause an accident. Stay to the right unless passing.