To reduce the chances of an accident with a large truck, motorists should be familiar with a big rig’s physical capabilities and how they maneuver.

Braking

Large trucks take much longer to stop than a car traveling at the same speed. The average passenger vehicle traveling at 55 mph can stop in about 225 feet (not including reaction time). However, a large truck traveling at the same speed can take more than 400 feet to stop (not including reaction time). Never pull in front of a large truck and suddenly slow down or stop. The trucker will not be able to stop quickly enough to avoid crashing into you.

Turning

For all turning vehicles, the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels. The longer the vehicle, the greater the difference. This is why truck drivers must often swing out to the left as the first step in making a right turn. When you follow a big rig, look at its turn signals before you start to pass. If you think the truck is turning left, wait a second and check its turn signals again. The driver may actually be turning right.

Trucker's Blind Spots

Many automobile drivers falsely assume that a trucker can see the road better than they can because they are higher off the road. While truckers do have a better forward view and bigger mirrors, they still have serious blind spots where your vehicle can easily get lost from view. If you stay in their blind spots, you eliminate the truck driver’s ability to take evasive action to avoid dangerous situations.

The "No-Zone" is the area around trucks or buses where cars "disappear" into blind spots. If truck drivers cannot see you, the possibility of a collision is greatly increased. These blind spots are the Side No-Zone, Rear No-Zone, and Front No-Zone areas. The right-side blind spot is doubly dangerous because trucks and buses make wide right turns!

Side No-Zones

Do not "hang out" on either side of trucks or buses!

Trucks and buses have big No-Zones (blind spots) on both sides. They are much lager than your car's blind spots. If you can’t see the truck driver's face in his or her side mirror, he or she can’t see you. If that driver needs to swerve or change lines for any reason, the chances of a collision are greatly increased.

Front No-Zones

Pass safely!

You could get "rear-ended" by a truck or bus if you "cut-in front" too soon after passing, then immediately slow down. If you do this, truck and bus drivers are forced to slam on their brakes. They need nearly twice the time and room to stop as cars. So, when passing, look for the whole front of the truck in your rear-view mirror before pulling in front, and then do not slow down!

Rear No-Zones

Avoid Tailgating!

Unlike cars, truck and buses have huge No-Zones directly behind them. The truck or bus driver cannot see your car there, and you cannot see what is going on ahead of you. If the truck or bus driver brakes or stops suddenly, you have no place to go and could end up running into them.

Pay close attention!

Never cross behind a truck that is backing up! Hundreds of motorists and pedestrians are killed or injured each year by ignoring trucks which are backing up. Truck drivers cannot see vehicle or people directly behind the trailer or may not see you cutting in behind them.

Wide Right Turns

Avoid the "squeeze play!"

Truck and bus drivers sometimes need to swing wide to the left in order to safely make a right turn. They cannot see cars directly behind or beside them. Trying to "squeeze" in between the large vehicle and the curb is an invitation to disaster!

Maneuverability

Trucks are not as maneuverable as passenger vehicles.  Large trucks have longer stopping and acceleration distances.  They take more space for turns and they weigh more.  On multi-lane highways and freeways, large trucks usually stay in the center portion of the lane to help the flow of traffic. This also increases the trucker’s options in case he or she must change lanes to avoid a hazard.

School Buses

You are required to stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students. Buses have flashing red lights that signal you to stop. On divided highway, you need to stop when the school bus is traveling in the same direction you are. On all other roadways including multi-lane roadways with no barrier, traffic in each direction MUST stop to allow students to move safely off the roadway. Failure to remain stopped is against the law.  You may proceed only after the bus driver has turn off the flashing red lights.

Nevada law allows school bus drivers to report violations to the school district and the Department of Motor Vehicle and Public Safety. When this occurs the registered owner of the vehicle will be sent a warning letter explaining the seriousness of the violation.

Buses and Streetcars

Do not drive through a mass transit safety zone, the space that may be set aside for pedestrians and marked by raised buttons or markers on the roadway, near where a mass transit vehicle would slow down or board passengers.

When people are boarding or leaving a mass transit vehicle where there is no safety zone, stop behind the nearest door or vehicle platform and wait until the people have reached safety.