When left is right and right is wrong.

This week, in the column, I would like to address Big Trucks and cars. I would like to remind you that large vehicles are plagued with "Blind Spots". These are the areas around the vehicle that the driver CAN NOT see by direct sight or with the mirrors. Most commonly, these areas are on the right side of the vehicle. However, they are also on the left and definitely to the rear.
It would be a safe practice to keep these areas clear and not hang out in the blind spots. The best idea is to keep the driver visually in your eye contact anytime you are driving around a large vehicle. I would recommend a practice, of passing a large vehicle called "Take 3",
which simply improves your chances of a safe pass. The maneuver is simple and goes like this: Upon approaching a large vehicle and deciding to pass, begin the pass at least one truck length behind the target vehicle, pass with a purpose. I use the phrase, "pass like Petty", in the courses. NEVER pass with the cruise control set! Get clear of the target, as quickly, as is safe to do so. Continue past the target for an additional truck length and then begin to merge safely back into the right lane. In short, "take 3" means execute a pass, as if, you are passing 3 trucks instead of the one! I would also recommend leaving large vehicles an "out" at all times. Consider, if the vehicle had to make an evasive move, where could they go? Are you hindering the vehicle from avoiding an incident, or are you setting yourself up to be involved in the collision? There is a sign that some trucks display, letting others know that the left side is the passing side and the right is SUICIDE! This is very true. There should never be a reason to pass a big truck on the right. If the situation does arise, PLEASE DO SO WITH CAUTION.
Forward thinking is key for both drivers of autos and trucks to coexist safely.

Large vehicles, must maneuver in such ways, as to allow for weight, height, length and overall size of the cargo, to be stopped, turned or negotiate obstacles. You see the signs all the time, on the rear of the trailers, that warn of the trucks need to make a wide right turn. In some cases, it is necessary, to do the same for a left turn. We mentioned earlier, that it is NOT wise to hang out in a trucks blind spot. Big trucks and other large vehicles are effected by numerous elements such as, weather, road conditions, drivers skill level, other traffic, drivers physical or mental state and many others. Traveling next to a large vehicle puts you at a greater risk for involvement in an incident. Did you know, that it has been proven, a blowout from a semi-truck could cause death to a near by traveler? (MYTHBUSTERS episode) That's right! DECAPITATION! (ouch!). The link also describes the other idiotic stuff folks believe to be good ideas around big trucks. Look, if Adam and Jamie says it's nuts, Then TAKE HEED!
Big trucks are effected drastically by wind. They may turn over in high winds, even if fully loaded. Trucks that travel in ruts of highways or veer to a shoulder, could suddenly loose control.

So, if you still desire to travel next to big truck or large vehicle, you have been warned, AGAIN!
Harmony on the Highways teaches these dangers and ways to improve your habits for sharing the road. We are committed to safer highways. Our goal is to reduce the car/truck incidents and bring a more caring motorist to the highways.