5 Safety Tips for Overtaking a Truck

In the following text, you can read tips for safe overtaking of trucks that we’ve prepared to contribute to road safety.

Pay attention to blind spots

When it comes to heavy vehicles, such as trucks, they have pronounced blind spots. These blind spots are located around the front and rear of the truck, as well as on the sides. If you can’t see the truck driver in their side mirror, it’s safe to assume that they can’t see you either. Therefore, attempting to overtake the truck at that moment would be risky, as you cannot predict the truck’s movements. Make sure to keep a safe distance from the truck to avoid being in its blind spot.

Maintaining an appropriate distance is crucial

Besides avoiding the truck’s blind spot, there’s another reason: reduced reaction time in case of sudden braking. If you don’t leave enough space between your car and the truck ahead, and the truck driver brakes abruptly, you risk serious injuries. This is especially true when driving uphill, as the truck might unexpectedly reverse.

Safe distance from other traffic participants

When driving on a two-way road, before overtaking a truck, make sure there are no oncoming cars in the opposite lane. If there are, assess whether they are at a safe distance. Keep in mind that trucks are longer than regular cars, so you’ll need more time to overtake them. Equally important, check whether the driver of the vehicle behind you has also decided to overtake. If they have already started, let them pass first. If conditions still allow, proceed with overtaking the truck.

Be careful

When driving parallel to a truck, i.e., overtaking it, ensure there is sufficient space between your car and the truck. You never know if the truck driver might make an unexpected left maneuver. After passing the truck, but before returning to your lane, check your right-side external mirror. If you see the front of the truck in it, you’ve left enough room for re-entry, so proceed accordingly.

Be patient

When driving behind a truck, it can become tiresome and monotonous. However, that doesn’t mean you should lose patience and attempt unsafe overtaking at any moment. In fact, avoid honking at the truck driver. Keep in mind that the truck driver follows regulations for larger and heavier vehicles. Drive calmly, wait for the right moment, adhere to designated road sections, and then safely overtake the truck. Safety always comes first!