Alberta RCMP provide tips on how to safely share the road with commercial vehicles

June 7, 2022
Edmonton, Alberta

News release

Whether it is a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or bus, commercial vehicles require extra caution from motorists handling them, as well as from other road users driving alongside them. With more traffic and travel expected during the summer months, it is important that commercial and passenger-vehicle motorists alike understand how to share our provincial roads responsibly.

Commercial vehicle drivers:

  • Remember to complete trip inspections to ensure your vehicle is in proper operating condition. Always carry required inspection certificates.
  • Make sure that reflectors are free of cracks or dirt. Look for any strips that are worn or peeling and make sure they are not obscured.
  • Leave adequate following distance between you and vehicles in front of you.
  • If you are transporting a load, ensure it is properly secured.
  • Regularly check your blind spots for smaller vehicles.
  • Pull over when feeling tired – take a rest, don't risk a life.
  • Avoid infrastructure damage by ensuring your vehicle complies with allowed weight limits.

Passenger vehicle drivers:

  • Stay far enough behind big trucks so that you can see both side mirrors on the truck. If you can't see the truck driver, they can't see you.
  • Increase your following distance behind larger vehicles so you have a larger viewing area and can better see oncoming traffic.
  • Oncoming commercial vehicles can create strong wind gusts, large splashes in wet conditions, or sprays of debris. Practice defensive driving and brace when they are passing.
  • Leave extra space when passing or changing lanes in front of commercial vehicles as they require more time to slow down or come to a stop.
  • Stay back when large vehicles are indicating right or left, as they require a wide turning radius.

"Commercial-passenger vehicle collisions have added dangers due the size and weight of larger vehicles, which can often result in more damage done," said Insp. Chris Romanchych, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services. "This summer, we want to minimize the potential for these types of collisions by ensuring Albertans are aware of how to safely share the road. Taking extra precaution around trucks and trailers can significantly reduce the risk of a serious collision, injury, or fatality."

For more traffic safety information, please follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and Twitter @RCMPAlberta.

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Contact information

Alberta RCMP Media Relations
780-509-3970

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