Why is Everyone Afraid of Trucks? Posted by DC Cargo Mall on June 11, 2013

The burning question is often pondered, if not poised, or it is stated, and treated as the norm.

But the ones who are afraid are not exactly wondering why. 

They just want you off the road, and fast.

What they may not be considering is that every envelope of mail, box of food, and constructive material is hauled around via the truck, and they need us.

Ridding this fear off the roads can give the public a better appreciation for what trucking is really all about.

So what IS it about trucks that scare the rest of the vehicle population just so badly?

Is it the enormity of these truck bodies, that outweigh the proportion of the other, more petite cars on the road?

Is it that the materials carried sometimes weigh thousands of pounds, and the loads, on flatbeds, are sometimes open for the world to gawk at?

Or perhaps it is a fear factor for some, that the cargo carried is many a time hazardous material, or toxic waste?

We mustn’t forget that a healthy dose of warning is necessary for fellow drivers to keep a safer distance and keep out of the grand trucks way. 

Regardless, we need to revolutionize, and begin to form solutions and give off friendlier vibes to the surrounding traffic. 

Here are 5 of the things you can implement to lessen the prejudice:

1.       Make sure you know the measurements of your truck so that when reading signs that tell you which roads can be tread with exact measures, you know where you fit in. Realizing all too late that you are too tall to pass under a bridge, or too wide to fit through a tunnel, you can say goodbye to your little friend, called ‘Life.’

2.       Driving on the right of the other smaller vehicles is the way to go.  Unless there is traffic, other drivers getting on the right of you is dangerous on their part, and if avoided, more safety is ensured for all involved.

3.       Remember, the heavier your load is, the longer the braking time it takes to slow down speed. A substantial amount of extra space should be exercised between the vehicles on the road.  Trying to beat superman and get bumper to bumper with other cars to get to your destination faster, could end you up in a situation where you never made it to your destination at all, unless of course, you were on your way to deliver pizza to the angels in heaven.

4.      Loading and unloading your truck according to rules and regulations are probably one of the most vital tools to be taken ultra-seriously. This includes making sure that all straps are without tear, chains not bent/broken, hooks sharp and fully curved, tracks fastened sturdily, and all cargo secured tightly and on every side necessary.

5.       Checking to make sure that all lights, brakes and brake fluid, load securement items, tire air, and more are in superb condition before heading out is a must. This small portion of time set aside for checking will make your life a whole lot easier than the trucker in the lane next to you with a flat in the middle of the highway, or that other flatbed trucker on exit 92 whose cargo tumbled off to the side, leaving him with repair debt and a failed trucking mission.

All in all, assuming you now have at least a bit more of an idea of why the phobia of trucks is so rampant, let’s jump on this bandwagon (or Truck!) and make some change.

Luck to all. Safe driving!