Driving safely around trucks and buses: FMCSA partners on public campaign

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – together with the American Trucking Associations, the American Bus Association and AAA – has launched Our Roads, Our Safety, a campaign designed to remind motorists to drive safely when sharing the road with commercial motor vehicles.

Trucks can have a turning radius of up to 55 feet and can take 40 percent longer to stop than smaller vehicles, according to campaign promotional materials. Stopping distances for large trucks and buses increase when the vehicles transport heavy loads or operate in snow, ice or rain.

CMVs also have larger blind spots, and the challenges they face while maneuvering can create potential safety issues for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

FMCSA offers numerous tips for staying safe around CMVs:

• Keep out of CMV drivers’ blind spots, or no zones.
• Ensure you can see the driver of the CMV in his or her mirror before passing.
• Leave enough space when merging in front of CMVs.
• Avoid distractions, practice patience and wear your seat belt.

The campaign also includes an art contest for children 5 to 12 years old.