Commercial Vehicles  Many drivers believe that because commercial vehicles sit so high in the cab of their vehicle, they can see everything around them.  This is wrong because there are huge blind spots, in front and back and on both sides, where the driver cannot see.  These dangers are called “No Zones.”  Smaller vehicles should avoid the “No Zone” areas since these spaces are where crashes are most likely to occur.

Passing Commercial Vehicles  Maintain a constant speed.  Before pulling in front and resuming normal speed, be sure you can see the entire front of the vehicle in your rearview mirror.  Stay well in front of the commercial vehicle after passing, as it may take that vehicle a much longer distance to stop.

Side Blind Spots  Don’t linger in Side Blind Spots.  The commercial vehicle cannot see you.  If the driver of the commercial vehicle needs to change lanes quickly, the automobile is in trouble.

Tailgaiting  Do not tailgate  Some motorists risk driving close behind a truck to take advantage of the draft.  A trucks rear blind spot is deep – the driver cannot see your car, and you cannot see much either.  If the truck has to slow down suddenly, a rear end collision can occur.

Wide Turns  To make a right turn, big trucks must swing wide to the left before turning right.  Do not cut between a truck and the curb or the shoulder on the right.  If an automobile driver is approaching an intersection, as a commercial vehicle is about to turn onto the same street, the car driver should try to stop before they reach the stop sign/stop line.

Backing Up  Never try to pass close behind a truck that is backing.  This again puts the automobile in the commercial vehicles “No-Zone.”