Over the years, truck drivers have gained their own dark stigma in nearly every department. People think truck drivers are dirty, but the showers at many truck stops are some of the busiest areas in the building. People think truck drivers are big, mean, and men, but there are more females driving today than ever before.
The myths and misconceptions surrounding the culture of truck drivers has caused uncertainty and fear to shroud the minds of recreation travelers for generations. It is time to dispel the fear surrounding 18-wheelers, and instill a bit of knowledge.
Here are a few things all drivers should know about truckers this travel season.
Take responsibility for your driving
The animosity and fear pushed towards 18-wheelers on the roadways is not a good reason for you to drive recklessly. Understand that a truck carrying a heavy load cannot stop on a dime, so don’t “break check” a Mack truck.
Passing too closely or riding in the blind spots of truck drivers can cause undue pain for several drivers. Take responsibility for your driving, and don’t be the cause of an 18-wheeler accident this travel season. Many people struggle to understand that truck drivers have rules and regulations that they must follow to ensure they reach their destination safely. Many of them actually have DOT compliance software from this site that helps them improve compliance and drive safely. So, that is why they can’t speed up to help other drivers go faster.
Why a truck might pass another truck
If you’ve ever been stuck behind a slow truck while it passes an even slower truck, then you know how irritating it can be. There is, however, a valid reason why one trucker might choose to inconvenience you and pass another.
Some trucks have speed limiters, meaning they simply cannot go faster. Other trucks may have a tight deadline to meet, and the slower pace of another road warrior may be detrimental to their job performance.
Sometimes it is necessary for truckers to move into the “fast” lane to pass. Just be patient, and respect the fact that that driver is on the road a whole lot. Truck driving is hard enough without impatient 4-wheelers creating dangerous situations.
Truck-driving etiquette
You may have wondered why truckers flash their headlights at one another, but the mystery ends today. Truckers flash their headlights at one another to say that the way it clear to switch lanes and to say thank you for the notification.
It is also a faux paux to ride too closely to an 18-wheeler. Not only is it dangerous for everyone involved, but it places your vehicle in a blind spot to the driver.
Watching the wheel for safety
There’s a little technique that will help you feel a bit safer when passing an 18-wheeler on the highway. Keep your eyes on the front tire of the vehicle. If the truck were to pass into your lane, the first thing to cross the yellow line would be that front tire.
Many drivers feel quite a bit of anxiety passing big trucks for fear of being pushed off the road when they move over. Use this technique to quelch that fear, and drive with confidence this summer.