Question: I drive truck for a living. Can you write about people that cut us off? These big rigs can’t stop on a dime. It’s frustrating because when they do that it can cause a wreck.
Answer: Changing lanes and cutting in too close in front of another vehicle is always dangerous, but it’s especially dangerous to cut off a commercial bus or truck. If you move in quickly from either side, you’re likely to be in a blind spot, so the driver may not see you in time. Even if you’re visible, the vehicle may not be able to slow down quickly enough to avoid a crash because of the time it takes to stop.
Commercial vehicles need more stopping distance than cars.
- Stopping Distance: An average passenger car traveling at 55 mph can stop within 130 to 140 feet. A fully loaded tractor-trailer may need more than 400 feet to stop completely.
- Safe Following Distance: Following a commercial vehicle too closely reduces your ability to see the road ahead. Maintain a safe following distance and position your vehicle so the driver can see you in their side mirrors. This will also give you time to react if the commercial vehicle stops suddenly.
- Headlights at Night: Commercial vehicles have large side mirrors that can reflect light. When following a commercial vehicle at night, always dim your headlights to avoid blinding the driver.
- Merging: When a commercial vehicle merges into traffic, it needs more time than a car to accelerate and reach normal speed. Be prepared to slow down or change lanes to allow the truck to merge safely.
- Stopping on an Upgrade: If you stop behind a commercial vehicle on an upgrade, allow space for the truck to roll back slightly when it starts to move. Position your vehicle on the left side of your lane so the driver can see you in the side mirror.
You can avoid a ticket – and a crash – if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.
If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901-5848. Or reach him at Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.