Sharing the Road with Trucks.

Most bikers prefer two-lane roads such as state highways and hard-surfaced county roads. There are times, however, when we all end up rolling on the interstate highway system, where trucks are more prevalent. Regardless of what type of road you are on, you need to constantly be aware of large trucking rigs.

One of your goals in riding should always be as visible to other vehicles as possible. You want to minimize the amount of time you spend in blind spots. A truck has larger blind spots than an ordinary vehicle. These blind spots are referred to as the “No-Zone.” In the “No-Zone,” motorcycles and cars disappear from the view of the truck driver. The “No-Zone” is where you’re most likely to become involved in a crash with a truck.

Here are some ways you can avoid the “No-Zone,” and reduce your chance of being involved in a wreck:

• Stay at least a four seconds behind trucks. There is a large blind spot directly behind the truck; if you follow too closely the driver won’t know you’re there. The four-second cushion ensures that the driver can see you, and you have time to react to anything the truck may do. If you can’t see both of the truck’s mirrors, you know you’re following too closely.

• Don’t change lanes in front of a truck until you’ve left plenty of space. Semi tractor-trailers need much more space to stop than a car. You know what that four-second following distance looked like when you were behind the truck. If you pass the truck, stay in the passing lane until you’ve opened up that same four-second space. As a rule of thumb, make sure you can see the entire front end of the truck in your mirrors before changing lanes in front of it.

• Don’t linger beside a truck. When you’re beside a truck, you’re most likely in a blind spot. Also, if the truck has a blow-out, you may be injured by flying debris. If you’re going to pass, pass quickly. If you’re not planning to pass, slow down so the truck gets by you quickly. If you can’t see the driver’s face in his mirror, chances are he can’t see you.

• Pass on the left when possible. The blind spot on the left side of the truck is smaller than on the right. The blind side on the right of the truck runs the entire length of the truck, and extends as much as three lanes out. The only time passing a truck on the right is an option is on a road with multiple lanes in one direction. When you have that choice, choose the left-hand lane whenever you can.

• Maintain the four-second barrier. Once you pass the truck and have safely created the four-second barrier, make sure you maintain it. Trucks naturally pick up speed when going downhill. If you’ve passed the truck at the top of a hill, you better plan to keep on the throttle to maintain the four-second barrier. Just like trucks pick up speed going downhill, they lose speed as they climb. Your best bet is to pass the truck at the start of an incline. This way you can maximize the cushion between it and you before the truck starts rolling downhill again.