2. Stay Out of Blind Spots

Large trucks have significant blind spots—also known as “no-zones”—where the driver can’t see your vehicle. These blind spots are located along the sides, directly behind, and directly in front of the truck. If you can’t see the truck driver in their mirrors, they can’t see you either. Staying out of these areas, especially in winter weather, helps avoid dangerous situations.

3. Avoid Sudden Lane Changes

Trucks don’t have the same maneuverability as smaller vehicles, and this is even more true in icy conditions. Sudden lane changes can cause truck drivers to react too late, leading to dangerous situations. Signal early, change lanes gradually, and give trucks plenty of time and space to adjust to your movements.

4. Slow Down in Bad Weather

Speed is a significant factor in winter accidents. On snowy or icy roads, reduced speeds are common, sometimes dropping by up to 40% on major highways like I-90 and I-94. Even with reduced speeds, accidents still happen due to the difficulty of maneuvering on slick roads. By reducing your own speed, you give both yourself and surrounding vehicles, including trucks, more time to react to unforeseen circumstances. Speeding in winter conditions significantly increases the risk of a collision.

5. Be Patient with Wide Turns

Trucks need more space to turn, and winter conditions make this even more challenging. Don’t try to squeeze past a truck making a wide turn—whether at an intersection or on a highway ramp. Give them the room they need to navigate safely, especially when roads are slick.

6. Prepare for Delays and Stay Calm

Winter weather can cause significant delays for all drivers. Trucks often need to travel more cautiously due to their size and the nature of their cargo. Avoid aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating or weaving in and out of lanes when behind a slower-moving truck. Staying calm and patient helps prevent accidents and keeps everyone safer on the road.

By following these six tips, public drivers can play a crucial role in reducing winter-related accidents. The severe crashes seen last winter serve as a reminder of the real dangers icy roads pose, particularly for truckers who require more time and space to safely navigate winter conditions. Adapting your driving habits and staying aware of trucks on the road can help ensure safer travel for everyone this winter.

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Stay Safe and Drive Smart with Ferrell Transportation

At Ferrell Transportation, we’re dedicated to keeping our drivers and roads safe, especially during challenging winter conditions. Whether you’re on the road as a trucker or sharing the highway, we’re committed to ensuring that everyone reaches their destination safely.

Looking to join a family-owned company that values safety, technology, and your well-being? #DriveWithFerrell and experience the difference.

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