Did you know 5,837 large trucks were involved in fatal collisions in 2022? 

It can be frightening to find your vehicle boxed in on all sides by commercial trucks when traveling on a highway. But it's the sort of scenario you can usually avoid if you're focused on what's happening around you. You can change lanes, speed up, or pull over to the shoulder.

Collisions between commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles like vans, sedans, and hatchbacks happen far too often on roads and highways.

And when these collisions occur, the drivers of the smaller vehicles bear the brunt of the damage. That's why it pays to be more careful when sharing the roads with commercial vehicles like 16- or 18-wheelers. 

Vehicles of all sizes must coexist and share the roads. 

Here are four tips to remember so you stay safe when sharing the road with commercial vehicles.

  1. Stay Out of Their Blind Spots

Avoiding blind spots is a must. You must see and be seen by motorists. That's especially the case when sharing the roads and highways with commercial vehicles that have huge blind spots. Commercial vehicles have more blind spots than drivers of regular-sized vehicles. 

When sharing the road with a commercial truck, assume the driver of the commercial truck doesn't see you. A good rule of thumb is that the driver of a commercial truck can see your car if you can see the commercial truck's side mirror. Even so, proactively avoid blind spots. Driving more defensively will ensure you're mindful of avoiding blind spots and staying safe on the road. 

  1. Give Commercial Vehicles More Space

If accustomed to tailgating other vehicles, you'll want to nip that bad habit in the bud. Ensure you give commercial trucks more space. Given their size, they're less nimble and responsive than smaller vehicles. It'll take longer for them to stop, speed up, or get out of the way. 

So, if one is on your bumper, try to switch lanes to create more space between you and the commercial vehicle. When the weather or road conditions are more challenging, increase the space afforded to commercial trucks. You can more easily make evasive maneuvers than drivers of commercial vehicles. So, ensure you have sufficient space to remain safe. 

  1. Be Mindful How You Pass

Be careful when passing commercial trucks on the highway. If one of them is ahead of you and traveling at a slower-than-optimal speed, there's nothing wrong with passing them. You can signal to move to another lane, speed up, and merge into the lane ahead of the commercial truck. But you must be mindful about how you do so. One mistake to avoid when merging into the lane ahead of a commercial truck is slowing down suddenly after merging.

A commercial vehicle will take longer to slow down, which can create problems if you're not careful. You could find yourself in a situation that leaves you injured and causes property damage. That'll mean having to call a personal injury lawyer experienced at helping people involved in truck accidents.

  1. Allow Commercial Trucks to Merge Safely

Another way to remain safe is to allow commercial trucks to merge into your lane if you can. The driver of a bigger vehicle will have difficulty navigating the highways if drivers of smaller vehicles don't show some courtesy. Allowing commercial vehicles to merge safely into the lane will make the road safer for everyone. If you focus on driving and pay attention to everything going on around you, it'll be clear when it's time to speed up, slow down, or move over.

There's no need to fear commercial vehicles if you follow these four recommendations. While some people operating commercial vehicles could benefit from a course on proper on-the-road etiquette, most are conscientious and responsible. Doing your part will help make the roads safer for all motorists.