The American Trucking Association (ATA) reported the trucking industry hauled 72.5% of all freight transported in the United States in 2019, equating to 11.84 billion tons. It is no wonder you see more and more need for truck drivers on our roads. Not only are there more trucks out on the roads, this also raises more awareness on the need for driving safely while sharing the road with truckers. The ATA has a premier highway safety program called, Share the Road. ATA and its partner, Mack Trucks, Inc., work with ATA motor carriers, highway safety organizations, and local and state officials around the country to share safe driving techniques and driver safety tips to the driving public in America. When you are out on the road here are some of ATA’s Share the Road’s safety facts to protect you and truckers:
Never Cut in Front of a Truck. Fully loaded trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds and take the length of a football field to stop. Most cars weigh only 2,000 pounds.
Do Not Linger Alongside a Truck. There are 4 large blind spots around trucks where cars disappear from view and the driver cannot see you.
Passing and Changing Lanes. Pass quickly to resume visibility and change lanes only when you can see both of the truck’s headlights in your rear-view mirror. Never pass on the right - the right blind spot runs the length of the trailer and extends out 3 lanes.
Steer Clear of Front and Rear Blind Spots. Stay back 20-25 car lengths and leave 4 car lengths in front of a truck for safety cushions - following a truck too closely obscures your view and the driver cannot even see you 30 feet behind the truck.
Following a Truck? If you are following a truck and you cannot see the driver’s face in the truck’s side mirrors, this also means the truck driver cannot see you too!
Allow Trucks Adequate Space to Maneuver. Trucks make wide turns at intersections and require additional space.
To learn more about how we can help you find the right coverage's to protect you and your trucking business, contact Paroubek Insurance at (920) 347- 9115 to speak to a trusted Trucking Advisor!
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads