Drivers have been warned to avoid making a fatal mistake when overtaking vehicles on long winter journeys.
With Christmas just around the corner, many Brits are getting ready to hit the road to spend time with friends and family.
Although it is a time that many look forward to, the trucking experts are on Smith Bros have warned motorists that they could regret their trip if they don’t know how to safely overtake trucks.
They warned: “When driving around trucks, remember that they have bigger blind spots than cars. If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they probably can’t see you either.
“Avoid staying in these blind spots for extended periods. When overtaking, make plenty of room to complete the maneuver safely.”
While most vehicles can travel at speeds of up to 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways, heavy goods vehicles are usually limited to 60mph, meaning drivers may want to overtake them.
In order to pass these vehicles safely, it is important that motorists keep a good distance from the truck so that the driver can see their intentions.
Once a driver is in the center or fast lane, they should give the large vehicle a much wider birth than normal and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel to avoid crosswinds.
Once the driver has overtaken the truck, Smith Bros recommended leaving a long distance before returning to their original lane.
They continued: “Once you’ve passed, don’t drive in too fast as trucks need more time to stop. Always give extra space, especially when turning a corner or in bad weather conditions.”
This is especially important if drivers are traveling in adverse weather conditions, such as rain and ice, where it would take even longer than normal to stop.
Smith Bros also advised drivers planning to travel over the Christmas period to ensure their vehicles are in good working order to reduce the risk of breakdowns.
Before setting off, the driver should open the bonnet to ensure that fluids such as oil, coolant and windscreen washer are topped up to the correct levels.
Checking tire pressure and treads can also help a driver confirm that they will be able to control their vehicle effectively in sudden scenarios and avoid a high-speed blowout.
