4 Tips for Better Highway Driving Near Semis and Large Trucks

Is your auto insurance coverage ready for the holidays? With inexperienced drivers hitting less-than-ideal roads this holiday, you can expect a higher risk every time you hit the road, but there is a way you can lower that risk. One of the most imposing vehicles on the road is the semi, and in the majority of fatal collisions in which a large truck in involved, the accident also involved a small passenger car.

Be Aware of Blind Spots

It’s unlikely that you were able to get your license without knowing about blind spots, but when you’re driving near a large truck, those blind spots become much larger and much more important. The most significant blind spots are easily identified:

• Blind spots are present on the direct left and right sides of the cab. If you can’t see the driver’s face reflected in his side-view mirrors, you’re in a blind spot.
• Driving directly behind the truck is a huge risk – you can’t see what’s in front of the truck, the driver of the truck can’t see you.
• Always keep in mind that large trucks are heavy and require greater stopping distance than small cars. Drive in front of large semis with caution, and give them as much space as you can.

Signal, Drive Confidently, and Be Predictable

Remember that increased stopping distance? Large trucks are extremely heavy, and might require a little extra room to react to the situation around them. An erratic driver could prove to be an unexpected obstacle. A cheap car insurance plan can cover your expenses, but it can’t save your life.

• Maintain a constant speed at all times
• Only change lanes when you need to – swerving in and out of lanes can be extremely distracting.
• Signal well in advance of any turns or lane changes. Not only is this helpful to truck drivers, but it’s helpful to every other driver on the road!

Pay Attention!

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but in this age of portable digital distractions, it’s always useful to remember to pay attention to what’s in front of you.

• Don’t text, talk, or check your phone while driving, even at red lights. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a whopping 21% of fatal car crash victims between the ages of 15 and 19 were caused by distracted drivers looking at their phones.
• Don’t turn your head to see something passing by. If you’re driving, you are responsible for the lives of everyone in the car. Eyes on the road.
• Be aware of distractions and distracting influences like exhaustion, stress, and intoxication. If you shouldn’t be driving, don’t drive. It’s that simple.

Brush Up on the Basics

New or old, all drivers make mistakes, and reminding yourself of the basic rules of the road could make your driving experience much safer. One slip-up at any moment could mean tragedy, and every precaution you take could be preventing one.

Worried about the sudden, unpredictable costs of a collision? Call, click, or visit Cost-U-Less Direct for free auto insurance quotes, one-on-one consultations, and more.