With the increase of motor vehicle crashes involving Commercial Motor Vehicles (Tractor-Trailers and large trucks),  Colonel Quinn, and members of Troop G would like to remind drivers of these safety tips when sharing the roads with large trucks, tractor-trailers, or buses:

 

• Keep at least a 3-second following distance. On average, it takes a large truck traveling 55 miles per hour, the length of 2 football fields to come to a complete stop.  So please don’t cutoff a CMV.  When passing, please do it to on the left of the CMV.  It is important to see the CMV Driver, along with the front bumper of the truck before coming back into the lane when completing your pass;
• Don’t hang out in the ‘No-Zones.’ Large trucks and buses have multiple blind spots, to include directly in front of the driver, directly to the rear of the trailer, and a large portion of the passenger side of the vehicle.  A good rule to follow: if you can’t see the CMV Driver in his/her side-view mirror; then they can’t see you;
• Don’t’ Drive Distracted. A growing cause of crashes involving passenger vehicles vs. large trucks is distracted driving.  When driving, just Drive!  Stay Focused; keep your head in the game.  Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.
• Don’t Chance It. If you are not sure if you have the time or the room to turn in front of large truck or bus, then don’t do it.  Don’t chance it; sit that one out.  Wait for the next opportunity to safely make a turning movement in front of or near a CMV.

 

Because Safe Driving is EVERYONE’S Responsibility: Please Drive Respectfully…. Always Buckle Up… Don’t Drive Distracted… Never mix alcohol and drugs with driving… and please, Slow Down.