Share the Road This Summer! Tips from a Trucking Company in Minnesota

Summer is just about here! We’re all excited for the warmer weather and our big vacation plans for the summer months. But with that warmer weather, it’s important to realize that the roads will be flooded with all different types of drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

The latter three in particular (motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians) are much more vulnerable road users, as they do not have the protection of a truck or car. Collisions with these users will almost always result in serious injuries to them, or worse.

Therefore, it’s important to remember to share the road this summer with everyone—not just cars and trucks. If you expect to see motorcyclists or pedestrians, you are much more likely to see them and prevent any accidents from occurring. You are much more likely to see these other roadway users out in greater numbers during the summer months.

Sharing the road with motorcyclists

Motorcycles are much lighter than most other types of vehicles. This means they can also stop much faster if needed, with not as much stopping distance. Therefore, if you are driving behind a motorcycle, you should follow at a greater distance, especially if you are out driving for a trucking company in Minnesota in a big rig that does need significantly more stopping distance.

In addition, it can be easy to misjudge the speed at which a motorcycle is traveling if you see one approaching, simply because it is so much smaller than the other vehicles on the road, in addition to the fact that it’s coming toward you.

Sharing the road with pedestrians

Pedestrians are even more vulnerable to serious injuries when out on the road. Here are some things to remember about pedestrian safety when you are out on the road in your truck:

• Pedestrians could show up anytime, anywhere—even if they are not supposed to be there. Bad weather or darkness can make them more difficult to see, and more unexpected. You must maintain constant vigilance.
• If pedestrians are crossing the street in a crosswalk, you must yield for them, even if that crosswalk is not marked. Pedestrians always have the right of way at crosswalks that do not have traffic control devices.
• If you see other vehicles slowing down or stopping in the middle of the street, they might have done so to let pedestrians pass by. You should not attempt to pass them, just in case.
• When you turn, you might need to wait for a gap in traffic. Keep in mind that pedestrians might also be waiting to cross, so if you have a gap pop up, double check to make sure no pedestrians have walked into your path before you turn.
• Always be extra attentive around schools or other areas where there are likely to be children.
• Never assume other pedestrians will see you or act in a predictable manner. Drive as safely as possible.

For more information about sharing the road responsibly, contact a trucking company in Minnesota.