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Driving: Sharing the Road with Large Trucks
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The huge trucks on our highways are not equipped with the same type
of energy-absorbing bumpers as cars. Their metal bumpers are high and rigid:
two extra reasons to avoid a collision.
- Don't cut in front of them. Because it takes them twice as long to
stop, truck drivers try to leave extra room behind the car they're
following. More than 60 percent of fatal truck crashes involve the front
of the truck.
- Watch out for the truck driver's blind spots (usually called the
"No Zone"). Truck drivers have huge blind spots, and sometimes
must react quickly to hazards in front of them by switching lanes.
- If you drive too close to the back of a truck, you won't be able to
react to changing traffic conditions. Keep extra distance.
- Wear your seatbelt.
- In an emergency, try to avoid pulling over onto the shoulder of a
highway. If another car hits you, the damage can be severe. If a truck,
which weighs as much as 25 cars, it can be catastrophic. If you have to
change a tire, be sure you have reflectors or flares. If you can't get
off the highway, you may be safer away from the vehicle if the terrain
permits it.
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