Driving Tips for 18 Wheelers

An 18 Wheeler is one of the most dangerous vehicles on the road. Due to their robust size and numerous blind spots, an 18 wheeler driver must be cautious, attentive, and focused. If a driver is not careful, an 18 wheeler can end up being a tremendous threat on the road. This is one reason why 18 Wheeler Insurance policies are pricier than standard auto insurance policies. Below we’ve listed some tips to help you be a more responsible 18 wheeler driver.

Avoid Distracted Driving- Whether it’s your cell phone, food, or a map, it’s best to keep your eyes on the road. If you take your eyes off the road for even a second, the results could be disastrous.

Stay in the Middle Lane- Many 18 Wheelers drive in the middle lane of the highway. That is so they don’t have to constantly dodge cars that are either entering or exiting the freeway. Trucks can’t maneuver as fast as smaller vehicles, so constantly dodging vehicles could be a hassle.

Be Aware of your Blind Spots- As mentioned before, the blind spots on your 18 wheeler are extremely large. Many of the 18 Wheeler Insurance claims to insurance companies relate to accidents where truckers didn’t watch their blind spots.

Watch Wide Turns- 18 Wheelers have a very wide turning radius that ranges from 16 ft-35 ft. depending on the degree of the angle. Be mindful of any small vehicles that may be inside into your turning radius.

Avoid Tailgating- 18 Wheelers take much more time to stop than standard vehicles. That means you must give the cars in front of you a good amount of space just in case you need to stop instantly.

Slow down around Corners- Due to the weight distribution of an 18 wheeler, they are very likely to topple over. When making turns, slow down and be very careful. If you hit a turn to fast, you may fill your trailer tip.

Driving an 18 Wheeler should be taken seriously. It is a huge liability on the road and can cause a lot of damage if not driven carefully. In case you do experience a mishap, keep your 18 wheeler and other drivers protected by obtaining 18 Wheeler Insurance. SkyBlue Insurance will help you find the best policy to meet your needs. Visit our site now and request a free 18 Wheeler Insurance quote today!