Driving Guidelines Help Ensure Sharing The RoadsSafely With Trucks (NAPSA)—Ashighways become more and more crowded, drivers should take extra precautions to share the roads safely, especially with commercialvehicles. It’s a fact: driving on our nation’s highways can be dangerous; however, many accidents can be avoided byfollowing some simple guidelines. For instance, if you are driving near a truck, how can youtell if the truck driver can see you? The answeris simple: if you can’t see the truck driver’s face in his sideview mirror, he can’t see you. Although trucks, due to their large size, can be perceived to be the enemy on the roads, they are among the safest of drivers. Below are some tips to help you share the roads safely with trucks: * Beware of blind spots— While there are small blind spots in the front and on theleft side of trucks, the back and right side of trucks are the hardest areas for truck drivers to see you with their mirrors. To avoid these blind spots, pass trucks quickly and don’t linger where truck drivers can’t see you. Avoid tailgating—Truck drivers can’t see your car behind them, and you can’t see what’s going on aheadof you. If the truck driver brakes suddenly, you have no place to go. Give trucks room—Because of the length and weightof trucks, they need more room to enter the highway, stop or change lanes. If a truck has its turn signal on, assist them by moving over or slowing down. In addition, Bee nce if you need to get in front of a truck, do so when you can see both headlights in your rearview mirror, and then don’t slow down. Trucks need nearly twice the time and room to stop ascars. Be cautious in construc- tion zones—Slow down, increase your following distance and let other drivers merge when possible, not only for your safety, but also for the safety of other drivers and workers in construction zones. Stay alert—Keep your motions in check and stay free of distractions. * Drive for the conditions— Slow down and turn your headlights on if the weather is bad or visibility is reduced. Obey the laws—Buckle up, don’t drink and drive, and move over for stopped safety vehicles. Your life and the lives of others dependsonit. By learning the facts, focusing on safety and being considerate of others, both cars and trucks can share the roads safely. For additional safety tips, or for more information, visit www.roadway.com.
