Sharing the Road Safely with Trucks, Motorcycles, Light Rail, and Bicycles 🚗🏍️🚋🚲

Sharing the Road with Trucks 🚚

Understanding Truck Characteristics:

• Blind Spots (“No-Zones”): Trucks have large blind spots around the front, back, and sides. If you cannot see the truck’s side mirrors, the driver cannot see you. Avoid lingering in these areas.
• Stopping and Turning: Trucks require more space and time to stop due to their size and weight. They also need a wider turning radius. Always give them extra space, especially when they are turning or stopping.
• Passing Trucks: When passing a large truck, do so quickly but safely. Ensure that you can see the front of the truck in your mirror before merging back. Avoid driving next to a truck for prolonged periods, as you might be in its blind spot.
• If a Truck is Tailgating You: If a truck is tailgating you, change lanes or let them pass. Trucks have difficulty stopping quickly, and it’s better to give them space.

Key Safety Tips:

• Example Situation: When driving downhill, leave enough space behind a truck as it needs more distance to brake.
• Action: Avoid staying in a truck’s blind spot and be aware of its turning space.

Sharing the Road with Motorcycles 🏍️

Motorcycle Safety:

• Visibility: Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see, especially in blind spots. Always double-check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
• Safe Distance: Maintain a four-second following distance when behind a motorcycle. Never share a lane with a motorcycle, as this is unsafe and illegal.
• Weaving and Turning: Motorcycles may weave or adjust their position within their lane to avoid road hazards. Give them extra space.
• Passing a Motorcycle: When passing, do so quickly but carefully. Ensure you have enough room, and do not linger beside the motorcycle.

Key Safety Tips:

• Example Situation: Before turning left at an intersection, ensure that an approaching motorcycle has enough space to pass safely.
• Action: Always yield to a motorcyclist when turning or changing lanes.

Sharing the Road with Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) 🚋

Light Rail Safety:

• Yield to LRVs: Light rail vehicles have the right-of-way. Always yield to them, especially when crossing tracks or approaching intersections.
• Never Stop on Tracks: Stopping on tracks is illegal and dangerous. Light rail vehicles cannot stop quickly and can cause serious accidents.
• Exiting a Stalled Vehicle: If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, exit the vehicle immediately and call for help using the emergency number posted near the tracks.

Key Safety Tips:

• Example Situation: You’re at an intersection with light rail tracks. If the signals are active, stop and wait for the light rail vehicle to pass before proceeding.
• Action: Be aware of light rail vehicles and never block tracks, ensuring a safe passage for everyone.

Sharing the Road with Bicycles 🚲

Bicycle Safety:

• Passing a Bicycle: Always pass a bicycle with at least 3 feet of clearance. If a bicycle occupies a lane ahead, slow down and wait until it’s safe to pass.
• Turning with Bicyclists: If you’re turning right with a bicycle in the adjacent bike lane, signal, yield to the cyclist, and only turn when it’s safe.
• Bicyclists’ Rights: Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. They must follow the same traffic rules, including stopping at red lights.
• Avoid Dooring: Be cautious of “dooring” accidents, where a parked car’s door opens into a cyclist’s path. Always check for cyclists before opening your door or passing parked vehicles.

Key Safety Tips:

• Example Situation: When a cyclist is ahead in your lane at an intersection, stay behind them and allow them to clear the intersection before proceeding.
• Action: Ensure a safe distance and be aware of cyclists, especially when turning or passing parked cars.

Key Takeaways Table 📝