Mark Anderson | December 17, 2025 | Truck Accident
Sharing the road with large trucks is a common occurrence in Texas, particularly on major highways and rural freight routes. Because commercial trucks weigh significantly more than passenger vehicles and have limited maneuverability, accidents involving them often result in severe injuries and costly property damage. Understanding how to drive safely around trucks is essential for reducing risks and preventing serious truck collisions.
The following nine tips can help drivers stay safe when traveling alongside tractor-trailers, tankers, and other commercial vehicles.
1. Stay Out of Blind Spots
Large trucks have considerable blind spots, also known as “no-zones,” on all four sides. The largest blind spots are along the right side and directly behind the truck. If you cannot see the truck driver’s face in their side mirror, they likely cannot see your vehicle.
Remaining too long in these areas increases the risk of a sideswipe or merging accident. Move through blind spots quickly and avoid lingering.
2. Give Trucks Space During Turns
Commercial trucks make wide turns that require more roadway than passenger cars. Right turns are especially hazardous because the trailer may swing wide or arc sharply, increasing the risk of a squeeze-zone collision.
When a truck signals a turn, give it enough room to complete its maneuver safely. Never attempt to pass between a turning truck and the curb, and avoid stopping too close to intersections where a truck may need additional space.
3. Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Because trucks are heavier, they need more time to brake. Tailgating can result in a rear-end collision if the truck stops suddenly. A good rule is to maintain at least four to five seconds of distance between your vehicle and the truck ahead of you.
Increasing this space during poor weather or traffic congestion can help prevent accidents that often result in whiplash, soft-tissue injuries, and other personal injuries.
4. Pass Carefully and Avoid Cutting Off Trucks
Passing a truck requires extra caution. Always pass on the left when possible, maintain a consistent speed, and ensure the truck is fully visible in your rearview mirror before moving back into the lane.
Cutting off a truck is dangerous because it may not be able to stop in time to avoid a crash. Abrupt merges can cause chain-reaction collisions, especially on crowded highways.
5. Adjust Driving in Bad Weather
Rain, fog, and high winds have a more significant impact on trucks than on smaller vehicles. Reduced visibility and slippery roadways increase the chances of jackknife accidents, rollovers, and multi-vehicle crashes.
During poor weather, slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking or lane changes near trucks. Bad conditions require additional patience and awareness from all drivers.
6. Avoid Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains a leading cause of roadway accidents. Texting, adjusting GPS settings, eating, or looking at in-car screens diverts attention away from the road. When driving near trucks, distractions reduce the ability to react to sudden stops or lane changes.
Texas generally prohibits drivers from reading, writing, or sending electronic messages while operating a motor vehicle under Texas Transportation Code § 545.4251, emphasizing the importance of attentive and responsible driving. Staying focused helps prevent collisions that can lead to severe personal injuries.
7. Watch for Signals and Anticipate Truck Movements
Truck drivers often signal early to compensate for their longer stopping times and wide turns. Observing their signals and anticipating their maneuvering needs can help prevent misunderstandings that lead to accidents.
If a truck activates its turn signal, give it space rather than attempting to speed past before the lane change. Predictability and patience contribute significantly to road safety.
8. Respect Speed Limits and Drive Defensively
Aggressive driving around trucks—including speeding, weaving, and tailgating—creates unsafe conditions for everyone. Trucks require more distance to respond to sudden movements, making reckless driving particularly dangerous.
Texas speed limits are governed by posted limits and Texas Transportation Code §545.352, emphasizing the importance of driving at safe and legal speeds. Defensive driving behaviors reduce the risk of high-impact truck accidents.
9. Prepare for Wide Loads and Slow-Moving Trucks
Some trucks haul oversized loads that require special permits and slower travel speeds. These vehicles may take up extra space or move more cautiously through construction zones and rural highways. Watch for warning flags, pilot cars, or “oversize load” signs, and keep a safe distance when approaching or passing.
Allowing extra time and space is an effective way to avoid collisions with slow-moving or wide-load trucks.
Contact Anderson Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation With a Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision involving a commercial truck in Fort Worth, Dallas, or Austin, you may have legal options. Anderson Injury Lawyers has experience handling serious truck accident claims in Dallas and throughout Texas. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Dallas truck accident lawyer and learn how we can help protect your rights.
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