With summer just around the corner and roadways becoming increasingly busy, Alberta RCMP have released a collection of safety tips to remind drivers to drive safely, especially around large commercial vehicles.
For passenger vehicle drivers, there are reminders to stay far enough behind big trucks to see both of its side mirrors. If you can’t see the side mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
Another reminder is to prepare and brace your vehicle when passing a large commercial vehicle driving in the opposite direction. Vehicles can create gusts of wind that drivers may be unprepared for. Large splashes of water may also cause a struggle for drivers in wet conditions, as well as kicking up small rocks or other debris that may lead to windshield cracks.
Give extra room in front of large and heavy commercial vehicles when changing lanes. Large vehicles have more momentum, and as such require more time to come to a complete stop and may rear-end you if not given enough space to come to a stop.
“Commercial-passenger vehicle collisions have added dangers due to the size and weight of larger vehicles,” says Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic. “Taking extra precaution around trucks and trailers can significantly reduce the risk of collision.”
To read the full release for more tips for passenger vehicle drivers, as well as commercial vehicle drivers, read the RCMP’s full release here.
