Sharing the Road with Trucks in Missouri: 6 Tips to Keep in Mind

Missouri is home to more than 1,100 miles of interstate highways. Large commercial trucks represent a substantial portion of the traffic on interstates.

Whenever you share the road with a big rig, it’s important to keep in mind that commercial truck drivers face different driving challenges than automobile drivers and large trucks have significant blind spots on all sides.

Truck drivers are responsible for maintaining control of their rigs and remaining aware of the vehicles around them. But every driver has a responsibility to drive safely and take reasonable precautions around other vehicles. To reduce the risk of truck accidents, Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC has compiled some tips for sharing the road with trucks in Missouri.

What Should I Do When Sharing Roads with Large Trucks in Missouri?

When driving near commercial trucks or any large vehicles, take care to:

Keep out of the no-zones around trucks

Tractor-trailers and other large trucks have correspondingly large blind spots on all four sides. The blind spots are bigger than you might think. They are referred to as no-zones because you should stay out of them. Any time you can’t see a truck driver’s face in the truck’s side mirrors, the driver can’t see you either. Never linger beside a truck because you are putting yourself at risk.

Avoid abrupt lane changes

A loaded tractor-trailer may weigh 30 to 40 times more than an automobile or SUV. Large trucks cannot maneuver or stop as quickly as smaller vehicles. They need extra space to slow down and stop safely. Never cut too closely in front of a big rig. If you brake, a truck driver may not have enough space to keep from rear-ending you. Use your blinkers any time you change lanes.

Adjust your speed based on road conditions

Adverse weather, lighting, and traffic density affect road safety. If a road is slick, dark, or congested, you may need to reduce your speed. Driving at the posted speed limit may be unsafe in these conditions. It’s best to allow more following distance than usual on wet roads, especially around trucks.

Follow at a safe distance on hills and inclines

Be patient around large trucks and keep in mind that the truck driver cannot maneuver as easily as a driver in a small vehicle. If you are behind a large truck going up a hill or significant incline, leave plenty of space ahead of you.

Be cautious when passing trucks

Don’t try to pass a tractor-trailer on a downgrade. Large trucks tend to gain speed going downhill. Do not pass in the right lane, because truck drivers are not expecting you there. Signal and maintain a constant speed any time you pass a large truck. Never move back to the original lane in front of a truck until you can see the front of its cab in your rearview mirror.

Never drive while distracted

Texting or engaging in other distracting activities while driving is always dangerous. It can be deadly around large trucks.

Be prepared for the weather

Bad weather makes driving more dangerous. When you are in a hurry, the risk of an accident is even greater. Check the weather before leaving the house and if it is expected to rain or snow later in the day, be prepared and give yourself extra time.

Don’t drink and drive

This should go without saying, but still a significant portion of car accidents are caused by drunk drivers. If you’re going to drink, don’t get behind the wheel.

Drive the speed limit

The laws of the road are in place to protect you. Follow the speed limit and pay attention to traffic signs and you’ll significantly reduce your chance of an accident.

Stay off the phone and avoid distractions

Texting has become one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. But it’s not just texting. Eating, drinking, putting on make-up and talking on the phone while driving can all cause accidents.

Injured in a Truck Accident in St. Louis, MO? Call Our Truck Accident Lawyers Today

For more than two decades, the St. Louis, MO truck accident attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC have taken on the toughest truck accident cases and stood up for people seriously injured in truck accidents. Founding partner David Craig wrote a book on truck accidents. If you have been harmed in a semi-truck accident, our attorneys will be ready to put our knowledge and skills to work for you. Call us at (800) 746-0226, chat with us live, or fill out an online contact form for a free case consultation.