Driving large commercial trucks is a lot more complex than driving a regular passenger vehicle!
To answer the question in the title, the answer is yes. Just looking at a large commercial truck can make some fellow drivers nervous. There is a huge difference between driving large commercial trucks and a regular car, which is why they require different tests and licenses. If you ever wondered just how different it is to drive the two, here is some insight.
Weight Difference
An average vehicle weighs about 4,000 pounds. While that is a large number, compare that to the average 80,000 pounds of large commercial trucks. The weight alone makes it a lot more difficult to drive a truck than a regular passenger vehicle. In addition to the weight, most trucks carry freight which adds on even more. The heavier the vehicle, the harder it is to slow down and stop. It is also easier to lose control of such a heavy vehicle when going down steep hills or sharper turns.
Turning
Large commercial truck can be up to 53 feet long, not including the length of the driver cab or trucks that have double trailers. They are also a lot taller than regular vehicles, making them more susceptible to roll over. Because of these factors, truck drivers have to be specially trained to turn these vehicles safely without hitting other cars or tipping over.
Blind Spots
Every vehicle has a blind spot, but a large commercial vehicle has a number of them. There are very large areas that the truck driver cannot see when driving, commonly referred to as “no-zones”. These areas are along the of the trailer, directly behind the truck, and directly in front of the truck. A lot of drivers aren’t aware of just how many areas truck drivers can’t see. A good rule of thumb is if you can’t see the truck driver or the driver cab, then the driver can’t see you.
Rules & Regulations
Truck drivers have to follow more strict driving rules and regulations that are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Driving rules can be a little more tricky with large commercial vehicles because they often travel through different states that have different laws. If a truck accident occurs, they look at any violations of regular traffic laws along with violations of FMCSA rules and regulations.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western for all Your Trucking Needs!
Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or simply interested in the latest trucking technology, you can rely on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. We have provided top-notch service for the trucking industry for 30 years and would love to assist you in buying a new top-of-the-line truck, finding the specialty parts you need, or repairing your truck. Give us a call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474, or contact us online. To find out more about what we are up to, follow us onFacebook,Twitter,Pinterest, and Google+.