By following a few safety tips when operating a vehicle around semi-trucks, you can avoid accidents and keep yourself and the truck drivers safe

Florida's roads and highways are crowded with automobiles, motorcycles and semi-trucks. Florida has many vacation destinations which draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Daytona Beach also has two bike week events which draws thousands of motorcycles each year. Florida's various industries also draw many semi-trucks to its highways. As such, it is important for all drivers to respect one another when traveling on Florida's roads and interstates. Two of Florida's main interstates meet in Volusia county, I-4 and I-95. Unfortunately, this intersection is often the place of many accidents when drivers are attempting to merge onto the different interstates. Many drivers are fearful of traveling around semi-trucks on the highway. However, semi-trucks do not need to be feared, but respected. Most truck drivers are highly skilled professionals and know how to handle their trucks, but given the shear size of some of these semi's, other drivers need to be cautious when driving in the vicinity of tractor/trailers.

By remembering a few safety tips, vehicles can help avoid accidents involving semi's and help keep all drivers safe when traveling on Florida's highways. First, a semi-truck's large size must be taken into account. They are slow to accelerate and slow to stop. Their size also makes visibility more difficult. Many trucks have stickers or signs that read "If you cannot see the truck driver, he cannot see you" or something similar. This is referring to the side-mirrors on large trucks. If a driver behind a semi cannot see the truck driver in the mirror's reflection, then it is likely the truck driver cannot see the driver behind. So remember this when traveling behind or next to a semi-truck. It is dangerous to assume that a truck driver has seen you behind their trailer. Also remember that if the roads are wet, semi-trucks will throw off a lot of spray. This may make it difficult for truck drivers to see a car or motorcycle trying to pass. As such, always keep your headlights on to improve your chances of being seen.

This brings me to my next point. When passing a semi-truck, do it quickly, but safely. Trucks take longer to stop in an emergency. If an emergency occurs with a truck, there are really only three options for the truck driver: brake, swerve left or swerve right. Therefore, get passed the truck as quickly and safely as the traffic laws allow.

Semi-trucks many need to change lanes often either due to emergency vehicles on the roadside, or to avoid some traffic emergency. (Florida law requires drivers to move over if possible when there are stopped emergency vehicles on the side of road) When you see a truck put on a turn signal, give the truck room. This is especially true if you are traveling in the lane that the truck is changing to. If you are still behind the truck, slow down and give it room. If you are beside the truck, and it is safe to do so, go ahead and get passed the truck as quickly as possible (remember that trucks have blind spots so be sure the truck driver knows you are there).

Semi-trucks need a lot of room to make turns. If you are behind a truck making a turn, do not get along side the truck. It is much safer to fall back and give it plenty of room. A truck's blind spots could make it impossible for the truck driver to see you when making the turn. Avoid getting caught between "a rock and a hard place" and give the truck plenty of room.

It is important to be patient when driving around large semi-trucks, especially in the city. Trucks are slow to accelerate and often drive slowly in the city while looking for a street or sign. Be careful in these circumstances and be extra cautious when passing. A truck could make a sudden turn and you do not want to be in the way.

The above provides drivers with a few safety tips that could help avoid an unfortunate accident involving a semi-truck. With few exceptions, if a semi and car or motorcycle come into contact, it is not the semi that takes the most damage. So remember that it is not necessary to be nervous when sharing the road with semi-trucks, but it is necessary to respect them.

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