As with any logistics and transportation-related company, JK Moving Services has a large fleet of trucks. From the nimble Sprinter van, used for Archiving pick-up and deliveries, to the tractor-trailer, our vehicles play an important role in delivering our services to our customers.
Employee training is a vital aspect of our organization, and especially for our drivers. We want them to be equipped with the best equipment, tools, and knowledge to perform their jobs efficiently. Our drivers receive rigorous training as they come into the organization and then on-going by way of annual Move Manager workshops and PACE certification.
While we prepare our truck drivers as best as possible, car drivers can also help with road safety. Our long-distance truck drivers Glenn Cooksey, Carlos Salamanca, and Jay Zepeda offered their advice on how car drivers can help truck drivers keep the roads safe.
Blind spots
A truck driver’s biggest blind spot is the right side of his truck. As a basic rule, it’s best to pass a truck on its left side. If you plan to pass a truck, pass through the blind spot area quickly, and don’t slow down after making the pass.
Cushion
Trucks take longer to stop than cars, so don’t cut in front of a truck when approaching a stop. At 60 miles per hour, it could take an 80,000-pound truck, 120 yards to stop. You want to see the full front of the truck in your rear-view mirror before moving in front of it.
Mirrors
Trucks are not equipped with rear-view mirrors. That means truck drivers have to rely on their side mirrors and front windshield to keep track of their surroundings. If you can’t see the driver’s face in his side mirrors, he can’t see you.
Construction zones
Construction zones often reduce the usable portion of the road, making it especially difficult for trucks to maneuver. Do not try to cut in front of or behind truck drivers in construction zones and always maintain a safe cushion behind the truck.
Wide right turns
Trucks need extra space to make turns. Right turns can be particularly wide. Give drivers enough space in cities or towns to make those tight turns. This will get them out of the way of traffic more quickly.
Changing lanes
In heavy traffic, cars zoom in front of trucks, so they’re not stuck behind them. If a truck driver is trying to change lanes and there isn’t a lot of space, consider flashing your lights to let him know, you are letting him over.
Patience
Truck drivers don’t want to keep people caught up in traffic. Trying to rush past them can be dangerous. It’s best to wait for a safe time to pass because the driver’s speed most likely won’t waiver.
Here’s a video by the American Trucking Associations‘ Share the Road program highlighting some more safety tips:
Do you have any other safety tips for car drivers? If so, drop us a note in the comment section below.