Alberta RCMP provides safety reminders for sharing the road with commercial drivers

Motorists should take extra caution when sharing the road with, or operating, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other commercial vehicles. With summer approaching, roadways will become increasingly busy and the Alberta RCMP wants to remind commercial and passenger-vehicle motorists how to operate on our provincial roads responsibly.

 Commercial vehicle drivers:

• Remember to complete trip inspections to ensure your vehicle is in proper operating condition.
• Always carry the required inspection certificates.
• Stay alert while driving and pull over when you’re feeling tired.
• Enhance your safety by pre-planning your trip. Stay updated on roads, traffic, construction, and weather conditions.
• Maintain a safe following distance with other vehicles.
• Be aware of your blind spots and make wide turns safely.
• If you are hauling or transporting cargo, ensure that it is properly secure.

Passenger vehicle drivers:

• Stay far enough behind big trucks so that you can see both of its side mirrors. If you can’t see the truck driver, they can’t see you.
• Increase your following distance behind larger vehicles so you can better see oncoming traffic.
• Oncoming commercial vehicles can create strong wind gusts, large splashes in wet conditions, or sprays of debris. Practice defensive driving and brace when they are passing.
• Leave extra space when passing or changing lanes in front of commercial vehicles as they require more time to slow down or come to a stop.
• Stay back when large vehicles are indicating right or left, as they require a wide turning radius.

Sgt Darrin TURNBULL
Alberta RCMP Traffic