The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created a program called Our Roads, Our Safety to increase public awareness of the techniques necessary to safely operate a vehicle when in the presence of large trucks and buses (About Our Roads, Our Safety). Started in 2016, the program assists other stakeholder organizations in a continuing effort to educate all drivers about improving commercial motor vehicle safety.
As part of the program, FMCSA provides safety tip sheets designed for bicyclists and pedestrians, professional bus and truck drivers, and passenger vehicle drivers. In order to account for the fact that commercial motor vehicles (CMV’s) such as large trucks and buses have operating limitations including huge blind spots, long stopping distances, and limited maneuverability, one tip sheet recommends the following Tips for Driving Safely Around Large Trucks or Buses:
- Stay out of the “No Zones”
- Pass Safely
- Don’t Cut It Close
- Stay Back
- Anticipate Wide Turns
- Be Patient
- Buckle Up
- Stay Focused
- Don’t Drive Fatigued
- Never Drive Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Through these Our Roads, Our Safety partnerships, FMCSA provides a variety of materials to any organization interested in road safety. Because of the increased danger due to the size and operating limitations of large trucks and buses, it is vital that drivers of other vehicles put extra emphasis on safety.
If you have been injured in an accident with a large truck or tractor-trailer, please contact Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman for a free consultation. We only receive a fee in the event of a successful resolution of your case.