Roadway Etiquette: The Dos and Don’ts of Sharing the Road with Semi-Trucks

Did you know the trucking industry moves over 72.6 percent of the nation’s freight? The produce you eat, the clothes you wear, and the computer you use are all transported to you by semi-trucks. Our entire economy relies on trucking, but most drivers ditch any trace of driving etiquette when they see a big rig. We see one of those huge, lumbering vehicles, and we hate getting caught behind them. In defiance of all driving courtesy and safety, we cut them off, dart in and out of their lane without signaling, and fail to yield the right of way. The results can be disastrous.

Collisions involving semi-trucks are on the rise. When a car tangles with a big rig, it can result in far more than just calling roadside assistance or a trip to your preferred auto shop. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 5,837 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash in 2022. This represents a 49 percent increase over the last decade. An analysis of traffic accident statistics makes clear that accidents involving semi-trucks are more likely to result in a fatality than any other type of vehicle. Following proper driving etiquette around these immense trucks is a matter of safety for you, your passengers, truck drivers, and others on the road. Wawanesa remains committed to educating all drivers so we can all share the roadways safely.

Understanding the Challenges of Driving Near Semi Trucks

The average semi-truck on the American highways measures about 72 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and 13.5 feet tall. Fully loaded, they weigh up to 80,000 pounds and require 600 feet or more than a tenth of a mile to stop when traveling at 65 mph. Car drivers hate getting stuck behind a big rig because we cannot see around them. What we should be more worried about is whether they can see us.

A semi-truck has four distinct blind spots around the vehicle, and they’re huge. The driver cannot see anything in the first 20 feet in front of their vehicle or within 30 feet behind them. If you’re in front of a big rig and cannot see its headlights in your rearview mirror, assume the driver cannot see you. Allow a four-second distance between you when following the truck to stay out of its blind spot. On the right, the blind spot covers two full lanes and one lane to their left. Do not remain beside a big rig if you can’t see the driver’s face in the side mirrors.

Because of their size, semi-trucks typically have a turning radius of 40 to 50 feet. Driving etiquette means drivers must consider the physical realities of these vehicles for their safety and our own.

The Dos of Sharing the Road With Semi Trucks

Road etiquette requires all drivers to be courteous to one another while remaining alert to the needs of different vehicles. Below, we list a few dos and don’ts that, when followed, will help keep everyone safe while sharing the road with semi-trucks.

• Maintain Safe Following Distance
  Semi-trucks are enormous vehicles with a 30-foot blind spot directly behind them. Always allow a four-second distance between you and the big rig ahead of you to ensure you won’t hit the truck if it stops suddenly. Look for a fixed landmark on the side of the road. When the back of the big rig passes the landmark, count slowly to four, marking off the seconds. If your car passes the landmark before you reach four, you are following too closely.


• Pass with Care
  Passing a big rig forces you to drive in the trucker’s blind spots. Don’t linger there — move quickly to a point well ahead of the cab where the driver can clearly see you.


• Stay Out of Blind Spots
  Remember how large a semi-truck’s blind spots are. Stay out of a big rig’s blind spots where you cannot be seen. If you’re passing, do so quickly.


• Be Predictable
  Communicating your intentions to other drivers is an essential driving courtesy that helps keep everyone safe. Always use your turn signal to indicate your intention to change lanes. This gem of driving etiquette is the law in all 50 states, and for good reason.


• Drive Defensively
  You can’t control how others drive, but you can control your actions behind the wheel. It doesn’t hurt to assume that other drivers — especially tired, road-weary big-rig drivers — will take chances and sometimes make mistakes. So, drive carefully, obey the speed limit, avoid common driving mistakes, and anticipate problems before they become accidents.


• Exercise Patience
  You may be in a hurry to reach your destination, but you stand a better chance of getting there safely if you slow down. Allow truck drivers the time they need to get up to speed rather than racing around them to get in front.

The Don'ts of Sharing the Road with Semi Trucks

Highway etiquette is not some old-fashioned notion your dad tried to teach you. It’s how responsible drivers communicate clearly with others. Surprises, distracted driving, and reckless driving all risk confusion on the road and accidents. This is true with any vehicle and more so for semi-trucks.

• Do Not Cut Off Semi-Trucks
  These juggernauts can carry up to 80,000 pounds, which makes slowing the truck challenging. When traveling 65 miles an hour, a typical big rig needs 600 feet to stop. That’s why they allow so much room ahead of them as they drive. Do not pull into the lane ahead of a semi-truck unless you can see the complete truck in your rearview mirror.


• Avoid Braking Abruptly in Front of Trucks
  If you’re in front of a big rig, avoid slamming on your brakes for the same reason. Keep an eye on the brake lights of the vehicle in front of you and slow down gradually when necessary to avoid surprising the truck driver behind you.


• Don’t Pass on Downgrades
  A heavy truck gathers speed quickly when heading downhill, making it even harder to stop in time. It’s best to stay out of their way and wait for level ground before attempting any passing maneuvers.


• Do Not Linger Beside a Truck
  A critical point of driving etiquette around semi-trucks is to avoid driving beside one. The driver’s blind spots are multiple car lengths long on each side and cover at least two lanes to the right of the truck. Either pull well ahead of the big rig or drop well back.


• Don’t Tailgate
  No driver enjoys having another vehicle right on their back bumper, and big rig operators are no exception. What’s more, this is a dangerous place to hang out as you’ll be in their rear blind spot. You’ll also be vulnerable if the truck blows out a tire. The force of a flying section of a truck tire can be as deadly as being hit by the truck itself. Again, leave enough room between you and the semi in front of you.


• Don’t Forget to Watch Mirrors
  This is an easy one: If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in their side mirror, you’re in their blind spot — and they can’t see you.

Extra Tips for Driving in Difficult Conditions

Driving a semi-truck is hard work. All the hazards that make driving tougher for the rest of us, like darkness, rain, fog, or high winds, are far more challenging for a big rig driver. Wet or icy roads are harder to navigate safely and add to their stopping distance. The truck’s enormous, flat side can act like an air sail in heavy winds, causing it to sway and fight the driver’s control.

If driving in poor conditions, remember that any semi-truck you see will need more room to stop or turn. Driving etiquette is essential for keeping you safe on the road and lowering the anxiety among drivers.

There will always be an element of risk when traversing busy roadways alongside the semi-trucks that keep our nation’s commerce moving. But if you take extreme care, drive defensively, and practice patience and driving courtesy, it will go a long way to keeping you, your passengers, and other drivers out of harm’s way.

Good drivers are often rewarded for their careful habits with lower car insurance premiums. Speak with a Wawanesa agent today and find out if you could save even more.