When driving behind a commercial truck, keeping a safe following distance is essential for accident prevention. Passenger vehicle drivers need to be mindful of specific sections of the road where it’s especially important to increase the following distance behind a truck.
Not only can the following approaches help motorists to avoid accidents, they can also help ensure smoother traffic flow and a safer experience for everyone on the road.
Steep inclines and declines
Hills, particularly steep ones, are challenging for trucks due to the effects of gravity on their weight. When ascending a hill, trucks typically slow down significantly. While on the descent, their increased weight can cause rapid acceleration despite braking.
Trucks on a downhill are at a higher risk of brake failure, which can lead to potentially dangerous situations if a passenger vehicle is too close behind. By increasing following distance on inclines and declines, drivers in passenger vehicles provide a cushion that can accommodate any sudden speed changes a truck may need to make.
Construction zones
Construction zones narrow the driving lanes and often reduce speed limits. These zones are tricky for trucks to navigate due to lane shifts, barriers and other obstacles. In addition, construction zones are often associated with sudden lane merges, which require trucks to maneuver cautiously.
Since commercial trucks have larger blind spots, they may not see smaller vehicles approaching from behind. Increasing the following distance allows the truck driver to react more freely and provides passenger vehicles with a better view of any sudden changes up ahead.
Highway merges and on-ramps
When merging onto highways, passenger vehicles should be especially cautious around trucks, as these areas are hotspots for congestion and quick lane changes. Trucks require a larger distance to adjust speed and merge smoothly, and they may not be able to react quickly to vehicles that suddenly appear close behind. By allowing extra space, passenger vehicles help prevent rear-end collisions and give the truck driver ample room to navigate the busy traffic safely.
Increasing following distance can help reduce truck accidents, improve road safety and promote a more considerate driving environment. However, this approach doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of truck accidents. Thankfully, passenger vehicle drivers who encounter a reckless truck driver and get involved in a catastrophic truck accident are generally entitled to compensation for their injuries.
