Sharing the road is a common topic of conversation between truckers and passenger vehicles. Motorists accuse truckers of hogging the road, tailgating and driving too fast. And truckers complain that automobile drivers use the road for fun, whereas for them, driving is a profession.

"Drivers of both types of vehicles are often not at ease driving with one another. Prejudices are long-standing on both sides", says Jeanette Espie, executive director of the Office of Traffic Safety. "The fact is that millions of vehicles, regardless of the type, use Alberta roadways and every one of them must drive responsibly and abide by the rules of the road. "

In an effort to share the road, drivers should never impede another road user’s safety," adds John Tessier, Manager of Safety for the Alberta Motor Transport Association. "We also have to have respect and stay outside of each driver’s safety zone."

Important Pointers for Motorists

It is important that general motorists be aware of the prime constraints linked to operating a heavy vehicle so as to better understand trucker’s moves and to be able to drive defensively. Take note of the following when sharing the road with commercial vehicles:

• Keep visible. If you are driving behind a truck and cannot see both of its side mirrors, then you’re too close. If you can see the trucker’s face in the side mirrors then he/she can see you.
• Don’t tailgate, as you may not have enough time and space to brake. Always maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. For cars, this distance corresponds to a 2-second interval; for truckers, allow two seconds plus one second per 3 meters of vehicle length.
• If you are driving in front of a truck, always indicate your intention to turn or change lanes early as trucks require more stopping distance. Avoid sudden moves.
• Passing a commercial vehicle requires more time and space than passing a car. On a two-way road, signal your intention to pass and once the way is clear don’t hesitate. It is safe to move back into the right-hand lane when you can see the entire truck in your rearview mirror. After passing maintain your speed.
• Set your windshield wipers to the highest speed before passing on rainy days.
• Given the size of commercial vehicles, sometimes they have to straddle lanes to make their turn. When a truck indicates it wishes to turn at an intersection, cooperate by staying behind and letting it finish the turn rather than cutting it off.
• Stay out of the "No-Zones" – these are the truck’s blind spots. These are the areas along both sides of the truck not covered by the rearview mirrors, the space immediately in front of and behind the truck, and the right front of the cab. These blind spots are also much larger than those of a passenger vehicle.
• Try to keep the centre or left highway lane open as trucks rely on it for the passing lane.
• Always drive with your lights on – you can see other vehicles and they can see you.

The key points to remember when you encounter big rigs are, the bigger the truck then:

• the bigger their blindspots;
• the more room they need to maneuver;
• the longer it takes them to stop;
• the longer it takes to pass them; and
• the more likely you will be seriously injured or killed in the event of a collision.

Safety Tips for Commercial Vehicle Drivers

Commercial vehicles loom large above other drivers, often causing stress and nervousness. Truckers need to remember that many motorists are unaware of the constraints associated with driving a commercial vehicle and, as a result, are unable to anticipate potential dangers.

"Commercial vehicle trips are without incident 99,999 per cent of the time." says Tessier. "In order to continue keeping commercial driving safe, don’t be a negative statistic and drive professionally and proactively."

Take note of the following when sharing the road with passenger vehicles.

• As road experts, you can help motorists help you by indicating your intentions. Warn them ahead of time when you want to turn, and wait until you have completed the turn before turning off your signal lights. Use the same procedure for a lane change.
• Although your vehicle is big, other road users may not see it during certain maneuvers, even in broad daylight. Things are worse at night. Place reflective strips on your truck.
• Before closing down or stopping, make sure you’re not being tailgated. In this way, drivers will have time to see your brake lights and react appropriately.
• Try not to impede traffic flow by using the proper lane when climbing a steep hill or long incline. Your truck may be grinding away at a decent pace to get to the top of the hill but to other motorists it seems as if it’s crawling.
• Remember that you can’t stop quickly to stay within the authorized load and speed limits, in addition to always making sure your brakes are in good condition and properly adjusted.
• Drive with your lights on. Use your low beams rather that your high beams so you don’t blind other drivers.
• Slow down in poor weather and at night. Some motorists use you as a guide in poor weather so think before you brake or make any sudden moves.

"Safe, effective road sharing should be a priority for all road users," reinforces Espie. "The safety of Alberta’s highways and byways requires every driver to share the road with courtesy and consideration. It’s one of the essential rules of the road. And, if you’re a recipient of driver courtesy, show a friendly acknowledgement of that action by nodding or waving your hand to your fellow driver."