We will start with probably the most important two rules of the road: Do not drink and drive and always wear your seatbelt.
In addition:
- Pay attention. Inattentive drivers can be just as dangerous as aggressive drivers when they drive slowly in the passing lane, ignore trucks brake lights or signals, or create an emergency-braking situation. They also create dangerous situations when they attempt to do other things while driving, such as using cell phones or applying make-up. Focus on the road.
- Don’t be aggressive. An aggressive driver is a dangerous driver because he puts himself and others at risk with unsafe driving. Speeding, running red lights and stop signs, making frequent lane changes, especially in the blind spots of trucks, can create dangerous and potentially fatal situations on the road. It can also lead to road rage, not only for the aggressive driver, but also for others sharing the road.
- Keep a safe distance. A loaded tractor trailer or 18-wheeler needs as much as 100 yards -- the length of a football field -- to come to a complete stop. Keep 20 to 25 car lengths between the front of your vehicle and the back of a large truck. No matter how crowded the highway, make sure to maintain this safe distance.
- Avoid blind spots. Truck drivers and bus drivers have large No-Zones (blind spots) on both sides of their vehicles. A rule of thumb is that if you cannot see the driver’s face in the side-view mirror, the driver cannot see you. If your car is next to a large truck or tractor trailer, drive past the truck if you can safely do so, or move a safe distance behind it. If you are passing, try to drive your car on the left side where the blind spot is smaller.
- Never cut in front of a truck. Semi trucks and tractor trailers require a greater stopping distance, and if you force a large truck to stop quickly, a serious accident could result. When passing, look for the front of the semi truck in your rear-view mirror before pulling in front and avoid braking situations.
- Avoid the “squeeze play.” Tractor trailers drivers need to swing wide to the left in order to negotiate a right turn. When truck drivers make wide right turns, they can't see smaller vehicles directly behind or beside them. Never get between an 18 wheeler and a curb, or you may be in a "squeeze" and suffer serious injuries.
- Use extra caution when passing. After passing, do not pull your car back into the truck’s traffic lane until you can see its headlights in your rear view mirror.
- Watch brake lights. When sharing the highway with a big rig, pay close attention to its brake lights and signals and act accordingly.
- Always use your turn signals when changing lanes. Drivers around you need to know what you are doing to maintain safe driving distances.
