Did you know?

• 78% of all the merchandise moved in this country is carried by truck.
• According to the U.S. DOT, 70% of the crashes involving trucks and passenger vehicles in 1995 were contributed to the passenger vehicle driver.
• Trucks take longer to stop.
• Trucks have deep blind spots in front, behind and on both sides.
• Trucks need room to make right turns.
• Trucks must swing wide to the left to safely negotiate a right turn. They cannot see vehicles behind or beside them.

Safety Tips

• Following a truck too closely greatly increases the chances of a rear-end collision. If you are behind a truck, the driver of the truck cannot see you and it severely limits what you can see on the road ahead.
• You increase the chances for a crash the longer you drive in the side blind spots of trucks.
• When following a truck, observe its turn signals before you try to pass. Cutting in between a truck and the curb or shoulder to the right may result in a crash.
• Always pass large vehicles legally and maintain a consistent speed when passing. Be sure you can see the entire cab of the truck in your rear view mirror before signaling and pulling in front of the truck or bus.
• Never cross behind a truck that is preparing to back up or is backing up. Remember, most trailers are eight and a half feet wide and can hide a car completely, preventing the truck driver from even seeing your vehicle.

If you cannot see the truck driver in his/her side mirror,
he or she cannot see you.