Eight Tips for Safer Driving Around Semi Trucks: Mobile, AL

Cars on the road alongside semi trucks.

Driving alongside semi-trucks can be an intimidating and sometimes dangerous experience. These massive vehicles have several inherent challenges drivers should know about as they affect the road safety of all involved.

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, if you get injured in a truck accident, our experienced Mobile truck accident lawyers are deeply committed to protecting your rights and best interests against the trucking companies’ insurers. We always fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation: 251-888-8888

Why Mobile Drivers Need To Know How To Drive Safely Around Big Rigs

Mobile, Alabama’s position as a major transportation hub for international trade means local drivers frequently encounter semi-trucks. Driving alongside big rigs and other commercial vehicles demands extra caution and awareness. It also requires an understanding of the unique operational characteristics of these massive vehicles, including when:

  • Driving behind them
  • Attempting to pass
  • Riding alongside them
  • Driving in between two semi-trucks (a bad idea)
  • Expecting them to be able to stop on a dime
  • Driving too close at any time, but especially when they are about to turn or go around a curve

Simply put, ignoring road safety around a semi-truck could put you, your passengers and others sharing the road in harm’s way.

1. What Six Tips Should Drivers Know When Sharing the Road With Semi-Trucks?

Commercial vehicles have significantly larger blind spots, require longer stopping distances and need more space for turning and maneuvering compared to passenger vehicles.

Once you understand the major difference of these vehicles and adjust your driving accordingly, you can share the road with any big rig more safely.

Here are six essential tips for sharing the road more safely around semi-trucks, big rigs and other commercial vehicles.

2. Get to Know the Four “No Zones” – A Big Rig’s Major Blind Spots

Semi-trucks have four major blind spots, often called “no-zones”:

  • Directly in front of the cab
  • Behind the trailer
  • Along the driver’s side
  • A large area on the passenger side

The passenger-side blind spot is hazardous, extending across multiple lanes and covering most of the trailer’s length. Always remember that if you cannot see the truck driver in their driver side mirror, they cannot see you.

3. Avoid Tailgating and Maintain a Safe Distance

Tailgating any vehicle is dangerous, but following too closely behind a semi-truck significantly increases your risk of an accident due to their inability to stop or react quickly.

 Follow these guidelines when driving behind a truck:

  • Maintain a following distance of at least four seconds in good weather, or one second per every 10 feet of length (the standard length of a semi-truck.
  • If going over 40 mph, however, add an additional 10 feet, allowing approximately three-to four truck lengths following distance.
  • In poor weather or icy, wet, snowy roads, adjust your speed and increase your following distance to eight seconds. Trucks cannot stop fast the way smaller vehicles can. When roads are slippery, icy or wet, they are likely to jackknife if they slam on their brakes. Vehicles too close behind them are highly likely to get caught up in the sweep of a trailer.
  • Watch for snow and other debris that may fall from the truck.
  • Be mindful of air turbulence created by the truck, which can impact your vehicle’s stability.

Keeping a safe distance improves your visibility of road conditions and potential hazards while giving you more time to react if the truck stops suddenly.Top of Form

4. Avoid Traveling in Between Multiple Big Rigs

The reason for this is simple, if the truck in front of you stops unexpectedly, the truck behind you will not have enough time and space to stop. If they collide into your vehicle, it will send your vehicle into the truck in front of you. That alone is catastrophic. However, you could also slide under the truck, which can result in fatal injuries. Try to ride a lane over from trucks, especially when there are multiple big rigs riding together.

5. How Can I Pass a Semi-Truck Safely and Efficiently?

You may need to pass a semi-truck on Mobile highways, such as the I-10 and I-65. If you find yourself in that position, there are some key points to keep in mind to protect your safety, including:

  • Never Pass a Truck on the Right: A truck’s blind spot on the right side is even more significant than on the left, which means the truck driver will not be able to see you. This is especially critical if the truck driver suddenly merges into your lane of traffic.
  • Always Pass a Truck on the Left: You can safely pass a truck on the left if you take the proper precautions. However, remember that as long as you are beside a big rig, you are in that truck driver’s blind spot.
  • Maintain a Steady Speed But Do Not Linger: While trucks expect drivers to pass them on the left, you do not want to linger in that “no-zone” area.
  • Signal Clearly and in Advance: Your turn signal is your best friend when passing vehicles. Used properly, they alert others as to where you are going, giving them time to respond accordingly.
  • Check Your Mirrors: After passing a truck, be sure you check your rearview mirror and make sure you are well ahead of the truck before merging in the lane and in front of that big rig. These massive vehicles cannot stop quickly. If you cut suddenly in front of them, they will likely be unable to stop in time to avoid hitting your vehicle.
  • Never Pass on a Downgrade: Trucks are heavy vehicles and therefore gain speed.

These steps help create a safer passing experience for everyone on Alabama’s roads.

6. Exercise Extra Caution in Bad Weather

Mobile’s weather can change quickly, creating dangerous driving conditions. Semi-trucks pose extra risks during bad weather:

  • Strong crosswinds can cause trailers to sway, making it harder for truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.
  • Wet roads significantly increase stopping distances, making it harder for trucks to slow down or stop quickly.
  • Rain reduces visibility, in addition to the spray kicked up by trucks. This can make it difficult to see the road, other vehicles and potential hazards.
  • Ice and snow make it harder for trucks to maintain control, as their weight and size can cause them to slide or skid more easily.

In adverse weather, increase your following distance and avoid sudden movements or lane changes when trucks are near trucks. If conditions worsen, consider delaying your trip to guarantee your safety.

7. Stay Alert for Wide Turns

Semi-trucks need more space to make turns, especially right turns. The size of these vehicles means they often need to maneuver a little left before they can turn right, so it is important to give them plenty of space.

Follow these guidelines to navigate safely around them:

  • Stay alert for trucks swinging wide to the left before making a right turn, as they need this space to turn safely.
  • Keep a safe distance behind the turning lines at intersections, allowing the truck ample room to maneuver.
  • Watch the truck’s turn signals to anticipate its movements and adjust your position accordingly.
  • Be patient and give trucks the necessary space to complete their turns without obstruction.

By staying alert, taking precautions, and respecting a truck’s turning requirements, you can help prevent accidents and contribute to safer, more efficient traffic flow.

8. Remain Focused and Drive Defensively

While this advice applies to all driving, it is especially critical when traveling near semi-trucks. Staying focused allows you to:

  • Notice when trucks begin to change lanes or brake, giving you time to adjust your speed and position safely.
  • Watch for turn signals and hazard lights early, ensuring you react promptly.
  • Anticipate potential dangers and avoid accidents.

Always prioritize safety and remain alert while driving in Mobile, Alabama. Practicing defensive driving tips helps protect you, truck drivers and other motorists sharing the road.

Contact Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys

If you have questions or need assistance after a semi-truck accident, do not hesitate to contact our highly qualified legal team.

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we have extensive experience and have a proven history of success – we have recovered over $100 million in compensation for our clients. Our firm has extensive experience managing some of the toughest cases, including truck accident claims, and we are here to support you during this challenging time. There are no upfront costs or fees to pay.

Proven Results – Call Our Winning Legal Team Today: 251-888-8888

Founder and CEO at Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys | Bio

Andy is the owner and CEO of Citrin Law Firm, P.C. He founded the firm in 1995 with the goal of helping injured people put their lives back together. His passion for protecting injured people has only grown since he opened the doors of Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, and he has a history of winning numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for his clients.