Driving on highways often involves sharing the road with large commercial vehicles, such as 18-wheelers. These massive trucks are a common sight on interstates and rural roads, and their size and weight can make them intimidating to passenger vehicle drivers.
One of the most common questions drivers have is whether it’s safe to overtake an 18-wheeler. Passenger vehicles can safely overtake these large trucks, but this task requires caution and proper technique.
Overtaking an 18-wheel can be challenging
Drivers of passenger vehicles can agree that overtaking an 18-wheeler is different from overtaking a regular vehicle. Before attempting this challenge, passenger vehicle drivers should consider the extensive blind spots that commercial vehicles have. Drivers should understand that if they’re in a commercial vehicle’s blind spot, they become invisible to the truck driver.
Drivers of regular vehicles may not be aware that commercial vehicles have a longer stopping distance. Due to the massive size of commercial vehicles, they build significant momentum when they’re in motion. As such, it takes them a little longer to come to a complete halt.
Therefore, passenger vehicles should avoid cutting too close in front of an 18-wheel after overtaking. This can lead to dangerous rear-end collisions. Drivers who want to overtake 18-wheelers should also remember that trucks often swing wide when turning. As such, misjudging their movement can lead to accidents if a passenger vehicle is caught in the wrong position.
Best practices for safe overtaking
Passenger vehicle drivers can safely overtake 18-wheelers if they make sure the road ahead is clear before attempting. There should also be enough space to complete the maneuver without cutting off the truck. Drivers should also remember to indicate their intention to overtake by using their turn signal well in advance. When it’s time to overtake, passenger vehicle drivers should move swiftly but safely through the truck’s blind spots.
Suppose a truck driver makes a mistake when a passenger vehicle is overtaking them. In that case, the passenger vehicle driver may wonder if they might have made the wrong decision on overtaking. With suitable legal guidance, passenger vehicle drivers can work to prove that they followed protocol and are not responsible for the accident at issue.
