It’s easy to get distracted or even frustrated on your morning commute to work, especially if you encounter a slow-moving dump truck on your way. However, it’s important to remember that standard vehicles and large vehicles like dump trucks can share the road safely if all drivers are aware of the way dump trucks must operate. Drivers make mistakes every day that jeopardize the safety of not only the dump truck drivers, but also themselves. Keep reading to find out a few tips that will make sharing the road with dump trucks safer and easier from now on.
However, it’s important to remember that standard vehicles and large vehicles like dump trucks can share the road safely if all drivers are aware of the way dump trucks must operate.
What to Know About Sharing the Road with Dump Trucks
- Dump Trucks have Blind Spots
Dump trucks actually have many blind spots and it’s often difficult for them to see vehicles that are driving too closely to them. If you’re directly in front of or behind a dump truck, the driver cannot see you, especially if your vehicle is very small. Dump trucks also have one of their worst blind spots on the passenger side, from the door to the front nose. If you need to pass a dump truck, it’s safer to pass on the driver’s side.
- Dump Trucks Need Time to Stop
A dump truck and trailer can weigh over 100,000 pounds when fully loaded! Therefore, it takes them a much longer time to stop than your average 2,500 pound car. Always give yourself plenty of room when passing or merging in front of a dump truck.
- Dump Trucks May be Pulling Trailers
Make sure you always check to make sure if the dump truck you’re passing is pulling a trailer before you change lanes. It’s common for drivers to accidentally merge into the trailer, causing an accident, just from being inattentive.
- Dump Trucks Need Room to Turn
You should never try to pass a turning dump truck! It can be difficult to maneuver a large vehicle such as a dump truck around corners, so give them plenty of space. Make sure you wait and stay well behind the trailer until the driver has completed the turn.
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