JEFFERSON CITY – Commercial motor vehicles are an important part of our nation’s economy. They carry goods from coast to coast, and make up 20 percent of all traffic on Missouri’s interstates.

Crashes involving tractor trailers don’t happen very often, but when they do, the disproportionate size of truck versus car means those crashes can often involve serious injuries or worse. Research shows that in the majority of these crashes, drivers of passenger cars, especially young people, unnecessarily endanger themselves by not paying attention and driving recklessly around big rigs. That’s why it’s so important for all motorists to drive safely around big trucks.

There’s no room for taking chances around big rigs – they require big room. “We don’t want you to bet your life on it when it comes to safely moving around big trucks,” said Leanna Depue, chair of the executive committee of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. “Please pay attention.”

• Don’t cut off large trucks or busses. Make sure you can see the top of the truck or bus in your rearview mirror before moving back into your original lane.
• Stay out of the “No Zone”. Big rigs have large blind spots on either side and up to 200 feet behind a vehicle. Pass only on the left side.
• Watch your following distance. Keep a safety cushion around trucks.  Can you see the truck’s side mirrors? If not, the driver cannot see you.

“Commercial motor vehicle drivers are required by federal law to follow strict safety guidelines, including mandatory seat belt usage and hands-free cell phone devices,” said Colonel Ron Replogle, Superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “Failure to do so can result in citations and can affect both the driver and company’s safety score.”