Riding Safety - CAUTION

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

I borrowed this from another site I saw it on. Please be careful when riding.
Many of us can testify of the dangers and difficulties that larger vehicles drivers have while maneuvering them around. Trucks/Buses/Trailers it doesn't matter, the larger the unit the bigger the blind spots.
REMEMBER.....if you can't see the driver, they can't see you!
This image demonstrates only some of the blind spots that we need to avoid when riding near larger vehicles.

[kjsett]

I used to drive truck and the type of truck will affect the blind areas.
A large sleeper type of truck will require the driver to rely more on his mirrors and the convex ones are harder to read (especially if you are not changing position in the mirror).
A cabover w/sleeper IMHO are the worst for side (right) visibility.
Personally I do not "EVER" stay along side a truck any longer than absolutely necessary. I also try to avoid pulling in front of him/her even if the gap is nice. Think of your stopping distance versus his (can't remember the statistic, but no matter what, he will run you over if you stop or slow down too close). Also, his height of bumper usually means you are going underneath, not being pushed in front of like a car.
Even the air currents around a truck (car haulers seem to me the worst) can catch you if you aren't paying attention.
Lastly, remember that this person may, or is very likely, running sleep deprived. Their ability to see and react can be impaired. Like in the wild, a moving object (in relation to position in the mirror) is much easier to detect than a static (relative position in their mirror) one. Try to hold back when needing to pass until you have an open road ahead of you, then quickly move on around (right side is always the most dangerous).
I know I am repeating myself, but the summer can be the most difficult on truck drivers. The produce haulers are always being pushed to get their product to market while the most fresh and are the most likely running on the edge (been there so know by experience).
Have a great summer and I hope to see you upright on the road sometime,
Ken

PS. The only accident I saw in the Philippines (last two weeks) was 3am and was a Motorcyclist lying on his back and not moving (taxi just kept on going). Please be safe out there.

[cushman eagle]

Thank you for your very appropriate ,wake up call ,to all of us I am a part time truck driver,and I am aware of the blind spots, but get apathetic about them.