Ever throw your car in reverse out of fear a wide-turning commercial truck driver will plow into you? What about trucks along the highway that pass you on the downhill, only to slow down in front of you on the uphill?
These are just a couple typical complaints we have with truck drivers. Truckers have their own gripes about us amateur drivers. But the fact remains that we must share the roads, each looking out for the safety of ourselves and each other.
Both commercial trucks and passenger vehicles can cite inconveniences from the other. But without respect and awareness on both sides, inconveniences can escalate to tragedy.
And, in recent years, Missouri has seen a spike in fatalities involving commercial motor vehicles - from 84 in 2013 to a preliminary 119 in 2016.
That's why we commend the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) for its awareness campaign to encourage safety and bring those numbers down. The campaign also reminds big rig drivers to obey speed limits, avoid distractions and buckle up.
MoDOT says commercial motor vehicles contribute to some traffic crashes, but that too many passenger car drivers endanger themselves through inattention or reckless driving around the large vehicles.
The biggest thing drivers on both sides can do is perhaps the most obvious: Pay attention to the road. Don't call, text, eat, read or anything else that will take your eyes off the road.
Other tips for safely driving near and around commercial vehicles include:
- Stay out of the blind spots or "No Zones" of big rigs, and only passing on their left side. If you can't see the truck's mirrors, its driver can't see you.
- Don't cut off large trucks after passing - make sure both headlights can be seen in your rear-view mirror before moving back into the driving lane.
- Use your turn signals to alert other drivers of your intentions to change lanes or exit the highway.
- Wear your safety belt - when used correctly, it can reduce the risk of moderate-to-critical or fatal injuries by 50 percent.
Driving defensively and with attention and respect can go a long way toward reversing this troublesome trends of more.