Turning may seem like a simple aspect of driving, but you must use as much caution as possible when driving a semi-truck. Semis are much larger than the other vehicles on the road, requiring much more room than the average sedan, van, or truck when turning. Therefore, following the proper safety precautions and procedures is necessary to avoid accidents. Here are some safe turning tips for semi-truck drivers.
Always Use Your Blinkers
First and foremost, you should always use your blinkers when turning in a semi-truck. The other drivers on the road can’t predict where your vehicle is going unless you use your signals. Semi-trucks have larger blind spots than other vehicles, so you must alert the other drivers about what direction your truck will travel. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to put on your turning signal at least 200 feet before the turn you’re planning to make.
Check Your Mirrors
Checking your mirrors is another essential tip for turning in a semi-truck. You should never turn blindly without checking your mirrors, as that can significantly increase the risk of crashes, accidents, and injuries. Just like you would when driving a regular vehicle, you should check both the left and right side mirrors before executing a turn. Make sure that no one is in your blind spots before turning.
Ensure You Have Enough Room
Before turning in a semi, you should also ensure you have enough room to make the turn. Semi-trucks have to make much larger turns than average-sized vehicles because they’re wider and longer. You’ll often cut into the opposite lane of traffic when making turns, especially right-hand turns. Therefore, you need to ensure there’s enough room for your vehicle to make the necessary type of turn safely.
Watch Out for Traffic
As a semi-truck driver, you should always watch out for traffic when making turns. Because you often have to cut into other lanes momentarily when making wide turns, you want to ensure you aren’t going to hit other cars on the road. Staying aware of other drivers is an essential city driving tip for truckers, as city roadways tend to be more crowded. Check your mirrors frequently, keep your eyes on the road, and be aware of blind spots.
Take Turns Slowly and Safely
Taking turns slowly and safely is another helpful tip for truckers. You don’t ever want to rush a turn. Because semi-trucks are much taller than other vehicles, they’re at risk of becoming unstable and overturning if they turn too quickly. Be as patient as possible, and take turns and curves slowly so that you can ensure the safety of yourself and the other drivers on the road.
Be sure to follow these turning safety tips for semi-truck drivers when on the road. The more careful you are when turning, the safer you will be and the less likely you’ll be to cause an accident.
