New Delhi: Defensive driving is a critical skill for every motorist, but driving near trucks and other large vehicles requires extra caution. Trucks are
heavier, slower to stop, and have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. On Sunday evening in a horrific road accident, a person was killed when a husk-laden truck overturned onto a moving Bolero in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur. The incident happened at the busy Pahadi Gate intersection on the Rampur-Nainital highway, and it was caught on CCTV and extensively shared online.
We spoke with a senior source at All India Transport Welfare Association (AITWA), who did not wish to be named, was of the opinion that, Truck drivers carry a lot of responsibility and pressure while driving. It is not always the truck driver’s fault in an accident, but people usually blame them first. Many don’t understand that trucks cannot stop suddenly at high speeds. They carry tonnes of weight, and if the truck driver applies sudden brakes, there is a high risk that the truck can lose balance or even flip. However, by following a few key safety strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of collisions.
Maintain extra following distance
A truck which is usually multiple times bigger than your vehicle will limit your visibility of the road ahead. Always try to keep more space than you do with a normal passenger vehicle to spot traffic slowdowns, construction, or hazards. This gives you enough time to react if a sudden stop or swerve is needed, and you can avoid mishaps.
Leave space when passing
Trucks need much longer to stop. The braking distance for a passenger vehicle and a commercial truck will be vastly different, and its worse if the truck is fully loaded. Never cut in front of a truck unless there’s plenty of room. If you can’t pass safely, remain in your lane until it’s safe.
Trucks have huge blind spots
We also spoke to a truck driver named Aabid, who pointed out that many people now overtake from the left, which is a major blind spot for truck drivers. Smaller vehicles like hatchbacks and sedans are hard to spot from there, and two-wheelers are almost impossible to see, which sometimes leads to accidents. A simple trick: if you can’t see the driver’s face in the truck’s side mirror, the driver can’t see you.
- Front blind spot: The driver cannot see vehicles that are very close in front of the truck.
- Left-side blind spot: This is the biggest blind spot. Small cars and two-wheelers are often not visible from here.
- Right-side blind spot: Smaller than the left, but vehicles moving very close to the truck may still not be seen.
- Rear blind spot: The driver cannot see vehicles that are driving too close behind the truck, which makes sudden braking dangerous.
Be careful pulling over
If you need to stop on the highway, choose wide shoulders or designated pull-off areas. Many accidents occur when cars are struck by trucks slightly veering onto the shoulder.
Exercise caution around turns
Trucks need more room to turn and have limited visibility. Always give them extra space at intersections. Assume the truck requires more clearance than it seems to need.
Never play “Chicken”
Let trucks pass or move ahead when necessary. Don’t try to assert your right of way; it could have deadly consequences. Patience is safer than proving a point.
Pass quickly and safely
Only overtake when you have enough space to do so swiftly. Avoid lingering beside a truck; tyre blowouts or rollovers can happen suddenly.
Be predictable
Use turn signals clearly and avoid sudden lane changes. Predictable driving helps truck drivers adjust their actions and avoid accidents.
Avoid distractions and fatigue
Long highway drives can be tiring. Keep your focus on the road; avoid phones or fiddling with controls while driving. If tired, take a break before you feel drowsy
