Syracuse Truck Driving Safety Tips

Commercial trucks and passenger buses on Syracuse roads serve an important role in society, transporting goods to stores and people to their destinations. But driving a small sedan or coupe in their midst, can be intimidating, if not outright frightening. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are a few things you can do to promote safety around these roadway behemoths.

First, you can stay out of the “No Zones.” These are the blind spots around the front, back, and sides of the vehicle. The rule of thumb is this: “If you can’t see the driver in the truck side mirror, assume that the driver can’t see you.”  According to the FMCSA, you should “be particularly careful when merging your truck or bus” because “you may likely be in a blind spot.”

You should pass safely by ensuring that the truck or bus is visible in your rearview mirror before you pull in front of that truck or bus. Put simply: “give it extra space.” The FMCSA recommends that you avoid passing close on a downgrade, where they can to pick up speed and, of course, never pass in the right lane.

When you do pass a bus or commercial truck on Syracuse roads, you should do so carefully. The stopping time and distance for a truck or bus is obviously much greater than that of a smaller vehicle — especially where the truck or bus has a heavy load. According to the FMCSA, “A fully loaded truck traveling under good conditions at highway speeds requires a distance of almost two football fields to stop.”

Ever notice those “WIDE TURN” signs on the back of a truck? Well, they are there for reason. Due to its length, the turning radius of a commercial truck is wide, so you should never try to “squeeze by” a truck before, or during, its turn.

The FCMSA also recommends that you remain patient when confronted by a truck or bus. “Honking, driving aggressively, or weaving through traffic won’t make the trip faster, but can cause dangerous distractions and crashes.” Commercial vehicles are subject to a host of regulations above and beyond the Vehicle and Traffic Laws we follow on a daily basis.

The Syracuse truck accident lawyers from William Mattar know how to talk to insurance adjusters, and we will fight to protect your rights. Get help with your truck accident claim from William Mattar today. Fill out our free initial consultation form, or call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (844) 444-4444. Let us put our experience to work for you.