Sharing The Road Safely (NAPSA)—Safety experts say the more drivers know about the vehicles they share the roads with, the better they can guard themselves and their families when traveling on the highways. For example, nearly 70 percent of fatal crashes that involve tractor trailers are caused by a mistake made by a driver of a passengervehicle. That may be because many drivers are not aware of the limitations a truck has on its mobility and stopping distance and don’t adjust their driving accordingly. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers these tips to help motorists avoid collisions with trucks, and to survive those that occur: * Don’t Pass On Safety— Trucks take longer than smaller vehicles to stop and they are less maneuverable. If you pass a truck and move into the space ahead of it, it is important to leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the truck. Try to anticipate the flow of traffic so you will not have to brake suddenly after you pass. Trucks are not built with the same type of energy-absorbing bumpers as cars. When a truck hits a car from behind, the results are all-too-often deadly. * See Your Way To Safety— If you follow too closely behind a large commercial truck, you may not be able to see a safe distance up the road. That can turn normal situations—such as a slowdown in traffic or debris in the road—into a braking emergency. If you are on your cell phone or otherwise distracted, this situation could turn into a medical emergency. Stay Out Of The “NOZone”—Trucks have much larger “no-zones,” or blind spots, than When passing a truck, drivers should always leave a safe distance betweentheir vehicles and the tractor trailer. cars. If faced with a potential collision, a truck driver may veer into your lane, without knowing you are there. Always assumethat if you cannot see the truck driver he cannot see you. * Keep Safe On The Side— Nearly 2,000 people die each year in highway shouldercollisions. If you break downorpull over on the highway shoulder, it is important to understand the dangerous position you and your passengers are in. Avoid highway shoulders whenever possible. Try to exit from the roadway—evenif it costs you a tire or a rim. If you are unable to exit the highway, consider whether you are safer inside or away from your vehicle. * Buckle Up—Buckling your seatbelt may be the single most important thing you can do to save yourlife in a crash. A seatbelt will help you stay in your seat, where you can maintain control of your vehicle. The safest place for kids is buckled up in the back seat in a car seat. For more information visit www.sharetheroadsafely.org or www.fincsa.dot.gov.
