Understanding the difference between large trucks and your vehicle can help you to stay safer on Arkansas roadways. You can better interact and respond to a semi, which will keep you out of danger and allow everyone to share the road. According to Nationwide, the differences are all related to the size of the vehicles, which means large trucks have different requirements than your car.
To begin with, you should understand that a larger vehicle requires more time to do almost everything, including stopping. If you were to cut off a semi and slam on your breaks, the truck probably could not stop in time to prevent hitting you because it would need a longer stopping distance than your car. Large trucks cannot stop on a dime. They also cannot turn as quickly as you can or speed up as fast.
Another issue is the blind spots. A truck’s blind spots are very large. If you are in one, it increases the chances of the truck hitting you simply because the driver could not see you. You need to allow for plenty of space between you and the truck. Stay back further when following and do not ride beside the truck when passing. You should pass quickly. In general, if you cannot see the driver in the truck’s side mirrors, then he or she cannot see you.
Remember also that a truck needs more space. When turning the truck will swing out so it can get the bed turned properly. If a truck is parking, it will need more room to maneuver as well. Always pay attention when you are around a semi, so you know what he or she is doing, and give the truck plenty of room. This information is for education and is not legal advice.