Alberta's highways are used to transport goods and people across the province each and every day. Trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, and passenger vehicles all have a responsibility to share our roadways safely. With increased traffic during the summer months, it is important that motorists take extra precautions to prevent commercial-passenger vehicle collisions.
The Alberta RCMP reminds road users of the following safety tips:
Commercial vehicle drivers:
- 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 – it could save your life or someone else's.
- Remember to complete proper trip inspections to ensure your vehicle is in good operating condition.
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 (Government of Alberta, 2021)!
- 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 (Government of Alberta, 2021).
- Stay back when large vehicles are indicating right or left, as they require a wide turning radius.
"It is important that operators of passenger vehicles understand how to safely share the road with larger vehicles and vice versa," says Insp. Chris Romanchych, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services. "We ask that motorists practice smart driving behaviours to ensure Alberta's roads are safe for everyone this summer."
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