Any advice for sharring the road with semi-truck drivers?

Question

On a road trip and I'm just looking for any pointers for driving alongside all of the semis across I-40 and I-44.

Any tips on courtesy, stuff like that, would be helpful.

Also, what does it mean when they dim their headlights when you pass them, are they just telling me I can get back over?

I've also noticed drivers will flash their exterior trailer lights off and on at other drivers, what does this mean?

Please only semi drivers respond.

Answer 1

So far the top 2 are correct, remember a car can go from 0-60 in 5 to 6 secs, a truck can do it in 2 to 3 mins. A car weighs 2 tons or so, a truck weights 40 tons, just use common sence with them

Answer 2

don't pass them on the right, and don't cut them off, they won't be able to stop in time to avoid hitting you.  If you get rear-ended by a truck, you will be doing more than holding your neck from whiplash.

Answer 3

Don't get caught in the middle between two of them after you pissed one off.

Answer 4

To add to what others have said.....

You're in a car.  You can accelerate faster & brake quicker than we can.  Use the force, Luke :)

In other words....you come across a slow-moving truck in the right lane?  Get in the left lane to pass.  Use your accelerator and GET ON PAST HIM :)....don't just poke along beside him doing 2-3 mph faster than he's going.  You can re-set your cruise control once you've completed the pass & gotten back in front.  

Also, if you're planning to pass a big truck- be aware not only of his speed, but what's in front of HIM.  If you go to pass and see he's gaining on a much slower vehicle, either hang back and flash your lights to let him go in front of you, or use your accellerator and get on by him.  

Try not to pass a truck near an entrance ramp- he might need to use the left lane to allow a slow moving merging motorist to get on the highway & if you're blocking him on the left, he may have to slow way down.  (varying speed like that wastes fuel).  

Speaking of merging....once again, know your accelerator pedal.  Make friends with it.  Enjoy it!  When merging onto an interstate, look in your mirrors and over your shoulder, and pay attention to the traffic flow on the interstate.  Match your speed to the flow of traffic before merging.  If there are semis in the right hand lane that can't move over for you due to other traffic, make a quick and intelligent decision for your "plan of action".....don't linger beside the truck in the merge lane and nurse your gas pedal. If you can't accelerate quickly enough to merge in front of a big truck at a safe distance, then use your brakes & get in behind him.  

Also, keep in mind a large majority of company trucks are governed.  Usually between speeds of 63-68 MPH.  If a truck is in front of you trying to pass a slower vehicle and he's just PLODDING along, remember he probably can't go any faster!  Even the ones who aren't governed are still more likely to poke along below the speed limit, to conserve fuel.

You definitely get major kudos for being aware enough to even ASK :)....too many people don't know or don't care about sharing the highway with trucks!  Thanks and be safe on your trip!

Answer 5

d**n yankees !

Answer 6

First, I am not a semi truck driver, but I am a former professional driver of smaller vehicles...With big rigs, give them plenty of room - they can't accelerate, maneuver or slow down as fast as passenger vehicles can...When they flick their lights at you after you pass, it is their way of giving you the OK to pull back in front of them...Truckers do this among themselves as well as with other drivers...If you can, return the courtesy when they pass you...Remember, most of the interstates are 2-lanes each way in the outlying areas...Work with these pros, give them plenty of room and you'll have a good trip.

Al the best.

Answer 7

Building on Thud's answer, when they hit the switch for to flash the trailer lights, it's basically saying thanks for letting them know that it's safe to get over.

Sorry I'm not a semi driver. But, there you go.

JT

Answer 8

we flash our markers when we pass someone because  they flashed their headlights off and on to tell us we have cleared their vehicle, it's a "thank you" to who we just passed. AS a truckdriver, the thing that probably makes me the maddest is when I pass someone, when the trailer tires get even with the front of their cars, the speed up and start running the same speed as I am