A 4-minute lesson from the Texas course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Large trucks take longer to stop and speed up, need a wider turning radius, weigh far more, and have big blind spots. Most car-truck crashes can be avoided by staying visible, passing quickly, and never cutting in front.
Passing a truck
Check front, rear, mirrors and blind spots; pass only if clear and in a legal passing zone
Flash your headlights to let the truck driver know you're passing, especially at night
Complete the pass quickly; don't stay alongside
Move back only when you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror
On an upgrade a truck often loses speed, so it's easier to pass. On a downgrade its momentum makes it go faster, so you may need more speed. If the trucker flashes the lights after you pass, it's a signal it's clear to pull back in.
Stay out of the blind spot behind a truck and don't follow too closely. Rule of thumb: if you can't see the truck driver in his side mirror, he can't see you.
When a truck passes you, keep to the far side of your lane and slightly reduce speed; don't speed up. When meeting an oncoming truck, keep as far to the side as possible; turbulence pushes vehicles apart, it doesn't pull them together.
Never cut in front of a truck or bus; you remove the driver's cushion of safety. Don't race a truck to a single-lane construction zone: slow down and exit, or stay behind it.
A tractor-trailer often appears slower than it really is because of its size. Many car-truck crashes happen at intersections because drivers misjudge how close or fast the truck is.
You're behind an 18-wheeler and can't see its side mirrors. That means the driver can't see you. Drop back until you can see the mirrors, which also gives you a better view of the road ahead.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
On a level highway, how much longer does it take to pass a truck than a car?
1 to 2 seconds longer
3 to 5 seconds longer
8 to 10 seconds longer
About the same time
Answer: 3 to 5 seconds longer
On level ground, it takes 3-5 seconds longer to pass a truck than a car.