Sharing the road with big trucks - Mayflower Transit offers tips on driving safely with moving vans - Brief Article

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), August, 1997

With millions changing their addresses annually, moving vans have become more numerous on America's highways and neighborhood streets. To help keep you and your family safe when sharing the road with these "big rigs," Mayflower Transit, Inc., Indianapolis. Ind., which specializes in moving household goods, offers the following safety tips:

Following with caution. If you are driving directly behind a truck or on its right side, chances are that the driver can't see you. Because most trucks have large blind spots, stay in the driver's line of sight when preparing to pass.

Safe passing. Always pass on the left side of a truck. Don't cut back in front of it until you can see the truck's headlights in your rearview mirror.

Wide turns. Make sure to allow trucks turning in front of you enough space to complete the maneuver safely. When a truck is making a right turn, it normally will swing out to the left. The same goes for left turns, where drivers first need to swing right to complete the maneuver. Never pull up into the open space on a truck's side if the driver has signaled a turn. He may be setting up a turn or in the process of completing one.

Time and speed. Make a mental note of how long it takes for trucks to get up to speed. Remember that it takes just as long for trucks to come to a complete stop. Don't be in a hurry and pull out in front of a fast-moving big rig.

Steep roads. When you are stopped behind a big rig on a steep road, allow extra space between you and the truck in case it rolls backward slightly when starting out. Try to stay to the left of your lane so the driver can see you in the truck's side mirror.

Oncoming trucks. When traveling on a two-lane highway, an on-coming truck can create a jolting burst of air as it passes your car. You can minimize the turbulence by staying to the far right of your lane and holding your steering wheel tightly. This will put you in a better position to make any needed steering corrections.