Share the Road With Trucks and Trailers Safely

When you’re itching to fish the lakes in the spring and summer or hunt in the hills and fields in the fall, getting there quickly is always on your mind. But remember, sharing the road safely with trucks and trailers is vital to ensure you arrive in one piece, ready for the great outdoors.

Give ’em Some Space

Semi-trailer trucks are in just as big a hurry as you. They’re not looking for a dustup; they just want to get where they’re going on time. Give them plenty of space on the road. Those rigs are a lot bigger and heavier than your pickup, which makes it even more important to maintain a safe distance.

Make Sure You Can See Their Mirrors and Don’t Tailgate

One golden rule of safely sharing the road is ensuring you can see a truck’s side mirrors. If you can spot their mirrors, they likely can see you too. Tailgating, especially behind a heavy truck or a horse trailer, is a risky business. Not only does it reduce your reaction time if they brake suddenly, but it also puts you in a blind spot. Stay visible to stay safe.

Heavy Trucks Take Wide Turns and Need More Time to Speed Up and Slow Down

Big rigs don’t maneuver like your pickup. They take wide turns and need plenty of room to do so. Plus, inertia means hauling a heavy load takes longer to speed up and slow down. Anticipate a truck’s moves and give them the space they need to operate safely.

• Special concerns of horse trailers – Because horse trailers haul precious cargo, other drivers need to be particularly aware of the challenges in maneuvering around them. Sudden moves can startle or injure the animals inside, so while drivers should always avoid abrupt stops whenever possible, it’s especially important not to force a horse trailer to slam on the brakes.
• Challenges of going uphill – Watching the truck or horse trailer ahead of you struggle uphill can be frustrating when you’re eager to reach your destination. Show a little patience—these vehicles are working hard to maintain momentum and pressuring them won’t make the climb any easier.

If You’re Going to Pass, Pass Fast, But Don’t Pass Downhill

If the road ahead is clear and you decide to overtake a truck or trailer, do it swiftly but safely. Increase your speed steadily to pass and return to your lane without cutting it too close. However, avoid passing when going downhill; gravity adds extra speed to heavy vehicles, making it dangerous and unpredictable.

Use Your Blinkers

Using your turn signals is not an optional courtesy; it’s a safety measure that keeps you on the good side of the Texas Highway Patrol and other drivers, ensuring everyone knows your next move.

While the call of the wild might have you rushing to your next outdoor adventure, taking the time to share the road safely with trucks and trailers ensures everyone gets to their destinations without incident. A little courtesy goes a long way on Texas roads.