You share the road with everything from bicycles to tractor-semitrailers. Big vehicles protect their occupants and are easy to see but are hard to drive; small ones are agile but less visible and less protective. Knowing a truck's limits keeps you out of its way.
Know the rule
Larger vehicles give occupants more protection and are easier to see but are harder to operate. Smaller vehicles offer less protection and are less visible but are more agile and easier to operate.
Handbook p. 75 ↗Know the rule
Look carefully for smaller vehicles, especially motorcycles and bicycles, and make sure drivers of trucks and buses can see you. Give motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians plenty of room.
Handbook p. 75 ↗Know the rule
Drivers of large vehicles must hold a valid license for the category of vehicle they drive.
Handbook p. 85 ↗Know the rule
Professional drivers spend much more time driving, so they should be the most skilled, knowledgeable and experienced drivers, and set the example of proper, safe driving.
Handbook p. 85 ↗Know the rule
Large vehicles can cause great damage and injury in a crash, so their drivers must give proper consideration to other highway users as well as to their passengers and cargo.
Handbook p. 85 ↗Limits of large vehicles
| Limitation | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Visibility | Good forward view; sides/rear need mirrors; blind behind |
| Maneuvering space | Need more room to turn – give them space |
| Stopping distance | Longer stops – allow for it at lanes and intersections |
| Acceleration and agility | Accelerate slowly; may be below the speed limit |
| Downgrade speed | Brakes can fade – move out of their way |
| Slipstream | Wind gusts can push smaller vehicles |
Know the rule
Near a large vehicle, stay where its driver can see you and where your view of other traffic isn't blocked.
Handbook p. 86 ↗Know the rule
Continuous braking on downgrades makes brakes ineffective, especially on large vehicles. Their drivers should shift to a lower gear before a steep hill, and other drivers should watch for overtaking large vehicles and move out of their way.
Handbook p. 86 ↗Know the rule
When approaching or passing large vehicles moving at or near maximum speed, be ready to correct your steering for wind gusts.
Handbook p. 86 ↗Know the rule
Trucks carrying hazardous material (explosive, flammable, radioactive, poisonous, etc.) must be properly packaged and marked so the right protective action can be taken after a crash.
Handbook p. 86 ↗Know the rule
Most large vehicles must carry emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, flares, emergency reflectors and first aid kits.
Handbook p. 87 ↗Put it into practice
You're climbing a hill behind a slow, loaded truck well under the speed limit. Stay back where the driver can see you in the mirrors. You may not be able to pass safely or legally before the top, so wait for a clear, legal passing zone.