Safely Share the Road with Commercial Vehicles

One of the main concerns of Canadian drivers is maneuvering around commercial vehicles, according to the Traffic Injury Research Foundation’s 2009 Road Safety Monitor. The consequences of not knowing how to share the road could be serious for passenger-vehicle drivers, who are often at fault in accidents involving larger vehicles. Transport Canada reports that though accidents involving larger vehicles make up only around 8 per cent of crashes, they represent 21 per cent of fatalities.

Here are 15 tips that may help reduce your risk of collision with a commercial vehicle:

Stay out of blind spots. If you can’t see the driver in the other vehicle’s side mirrors, the driver can’t see you.
Don’t tailgate.
Allow room for wide turns, and avoid driving into the space that opens when a larger vehicle makes a right turn.
Signal your intentions early.
Increase your distance when following commercial vehicles.
Leave extra space between your car and a commercial vehicle that’s stopped ahead of you on an incline.
Account for the additional time and distance that is required to pass a commercial vehicle.
After passing or merging, wait until you can see the entire vehicle in your rearview mirror before returning to your lane.
Never pass commercial vehicles along the right side of the roadway.
Pass only on straight, level roadways.
Be prepared to slow down when driving up a hill behind a commercial vehicle.
Be aware that a commercial vehicle’s size makes it appear as though it’s moving slower than it is.
Move to the right lane on a multi-lane highway so commercial vehicles can pass on the left side.
Be prepared for excessive spray from commercial vehicles when driving on wet roads.
To counter increased air turbulence, keep a tight grip on your steering wheel as you approach and pass commercial vehicles.

For more information about safely sharing the road with commercial vehicles, visit Transport Canada or your Ministry of Transportation.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OTTAWA INSURANCE PLEASE CONTACT:

STEVE MARCHESE, STATE FARM AGENT

2430 BANK ST., SUITE 210

OTTAWA, ON K1V 0T7

WWW.OTTAWAINSURANCE.COM

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