A MoDOT awareness campaign will remind motorists to drive safely around commercial motor vehicles in Missouri beginning on July 15.
According to MoDOT, commercial motor vehicles make up 20 percent of Missouri’s interstate traffic, and are a vital part of the nation’s economy. Crashes involving tractor trailers and smaller vehicles can often cause serious injuries or worse. Research shows a majority of these crashes are caused by drivers not paying attention or driving recklessly around big rigs. Sharing the road with commercial vehicles is a necessary part of travel, and its important for all motorists to drive safely around tractor trailers.
MoDOT has several safety tips for motorists who are traveling next to commercial vehicles: Don’t cut off large trucks or buses by making sure you can see the truck’s cab lights in your rear view mirror before moving back into your original lane; Stay out of the “No Zone” as commerical vehicle have large blind spots on either side; Pass only on the left side; Watch your following distance by keeping a safety cushion around trucks; and if you can’t see the truck’s side mirriors, the driver cannot see you.
For more information on the Commercial Motor Vehicle Awareness Campaign, visit www.saveMOlives.com.