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We should certainly not go as far as to incorporate a truck ride in our driver training programs, especially since these trainings are not mandatory in Quebec and some other provinces. Still, all drivers sharing the road should obey the following rules of courtesy and carefulness :
- Keep away from heavy trucks and trailers. Their size creates a screen that prevents you from seeing what's ahead. If an accident happens, you'll be able to anticipate it and react correctly.
- Avoid staying too long next to a truck. If there's an accident, you risk getting sandwiched, with no safety exit.
- Be seen. If you can't see the eyes of the truck driver through his mirrors, he won't be able to see you either.
- Don't follow too close. If a heavy truck doesn't carry any load, its braking capacity will be surprisingly stronger than yours. "During an emergency situation, you could crash into the truck even before realizing the driver braked," says Yvon Lapointe of CAA-Quebec.
- Avoid finding yourself in the truck's blind spots by making quick passing maneuvers. "Meanwhile, be sure to respect the speed limit!" adds Mr. Lapointe.
- After passing the truck, make sure you see it completely in your rearview mirror before getting back to your original lane. Remember: a truck driver can't see a car sitting just under his front grille, especially a sub-compact car.
- Both truck and car drivers have a role to play. "The truck driver can't do everything, says Martin Therien. The car driver should cooperate equally by keeping his or her distances and abiding by all road safety rules and recommendations." After all, who wants to take on a truck that weighs up to 20 times more than you car?