[font color="blue" size="3"] MY GIFT TO ALL OF YOU![/font]
This is the season we see a lot more traffic on the roads and everyone is in a hurry to go nowhere. Road Rage is also at an all time high this time of year. I found these safety tips on the Internet and thought if only one other person saw these tips and followed them that may be one more person a much safer driver on the road today. Please read them and apply them in your daily lives, thanks Tony (AKA-teacel).
[font color="darkred" size="3"]
While traveling on the road never forget that you and I are sharing it with many other drivers with varying degrees of skill. We must all work together to make the highways a safer place for all vehicles. Obey all traffic devices, remembering to also drive defensively to avoid what might be a dangerous situation. It is important to appreciate the challenges faced by the truck drivers who work diligently day in and day out to guarantee the safety of the public and prompt arrival of their cargo.
The size and weight of trucks means it takes more time to stop and maneuver a tractor and trailer than it does for a passenger car. Even though truck drivers are professionals, it is necessary for you to take extra precautions while driving near these large vehicles.
Never forget to buckle up!
[font color="red" size="3"]
Trucks take longer to stop than cars, therefore they maintain an appropriate following distance behind other vehicles. This "cushion of safety" is not an invitation to cut in front of them. Doing so only diminishes the trucker's "cushion."
[font color="darkred" size="3"]
If you cannot see the trucker, the trucker cannot see you! Always remember when driving on the left side, if you cannot see the driver's head in the side view mirror, then you are in a blind spot and the trucker can not see you. Never drive directly behind or on the right side of a truck as you are not visible to the driver. All of these are known as the "No Zone".
[font color="darkred" size="3"]
Never linger beside a truck. Due to blind spots, the truck driver may not be aware that you are there.
[font color="darkred" size="3"]
It will take 3-5 seconds longer to pass a tractor-trailer than it does to pass a truck. When passing a tractor-trailer, check to your front and rear. Try to pass in a timely manner to avoid staying along side so you will not be placed in one of the trucker's blind spots. If you are passing a truck, always pass on the left side making sure to allow plenty of room before switching back in front of the truck. Never cut in front of a big-rig. Look in your rear view mirror for the trucker to blink his headlights. This is a signal to you to bring your vehicle back over as there is now a cushion of safety between you and the truck.
[font color="darkred" size="3"]
Stay to the right and slow down just a little. Truckers often do this when they are being passed. It helps the passing vehicle to complete the pass safely. Never speed up when a tractor-trailer passes as this can cause a very dangerous situation, especially in heavy traffic.
[font color="darkred" size="3"]
If there is an oncoming truck approaching you on a two-lane highway, it is a very good idea to keep to the right side of your lane and slow down a little. This will help avoid the chance of a sideswipe, and also reduce the effect of the wind turbulence as the truck passes you. Remember wind turbulence pushes vehicles apart, not together!
[font color="red" size="3"]
Never follow a truck too closely! Not only are you not visible to the truck driver, your view ahead is also blocked by the rear of the trailer. If you cannot see the trucker's side mirrors, then they cannot see you either. You are now traveling too close, so slow down to maintain a cushion of safety between you and the truck ahead. A greater response time is needed to maneuver around any large vehicle such as a tractor-trailer. Other hazards include tire blowout or flying debris stirred up on the roadside by the truck.
[font color="darkred" size="3"]
When traveling in the right lane, courtesy dictates that you move over to allow a truck to merge. Be especially careful when pulling behind a truck which has just entered the highway; remember it takes much longer for a truck to get up to speed than for you in your automobile.
[font color="darkred" size="3"]
Trucks will be slowing down when entering or exiting weigh stations. They will also be traveling slow when reentering the highway from weigh stations. Always be extra alert when near these areas.
[font color="darkred" size="3"]
When you are traveling below the speed limit travel in the right lane. This allows trucks to pass you safely in the left lane if necessary.
[font color="blue" size="size"] Here are some safe driving tips that will help you, along with the trucking professional have a safe journey on the highways.[/font]
Have your route planned. Get the appropriate maps before you leave. There are many excellent resources online to help you plan your trip, SO USE THEM!
Even if you've missed your exit, [font color="red" size="3"]DO NOT BACKUP ON THE HIGHWAY![/font] Don't panic; just go to the next exit and turn around.
Lane changing excessively is hazardous to everyone.
Plan alternate routes to possibly avoid congestion.
Failure to use your signals when changing lanes is dangerous and ILLEGAL!
Unless necessary, never use your highbeams when traveling behind another vehicle.
Look carefully before merging onto a highway.
Stay out of the "NO ZONE" (blind spots).
Always give your vehicle a safety check before traveling. During a heavy rainstorm you do not want to find out that your windshield wipers are not working. Before leaving check headlights, wipers, tire condition and pressure, fluids and belts.
Fog and inclement weather makes visibility difficult, so turn your headlights ON to make your vehicle more visible.
Even if it's tempting, never "rubberneck.” "Rubbernecking" causes accidents.
The most dangerous speed on a highway is ZERO. NEVER stop on the highway.
You must get proper rest before traveling. The United States Department of Transportation estimates that no less than 200,000 traffic accidents a year are caused by driver fatigue. Drowsy drivers actually cause more fatalities per accident than do drunken drivers.
Tailgating is dangerous and causes many accidents.
If passing a truck, always maintain your speed.
Pulling in front of a truck is dangerous, if it is not completely visible in your rear view mirror.
[font color="red" size="4"]
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We hope that these tips help you and your family to have a safe and wonderful trip. Working together we can help make our nation's highways the safest in the world.
_________________________________________________________________________________
I found these tips while doing some research (they aren't mine). I thought it would be great if everyone that just read this would copy it to their email program or printed it and sent it to every person you know driving on the roads today. What is more precious to a loved one than the gift of LIFE!!! These safety tips are right on the money, and if every driver would follow them, we would see a significant reduction of accidents on our roads. Happy Holidays
This is the season we see a lot more traffic on the roads and everyone is in a hurry to go nowhere. Road Rage is also at an all time high this time of year. I found these safety tips on the Internet and thought if only one other person saw these tips and followed them that may be one more person a much safer driver on the road today. Please read them and apply them in your daily lives, thanks Tony (AKA-teacel).
[font color="darkred" size="3"]
SHARING THE ROAD
[/font]While traveling on the road never forget that you and I are sharing it with many other drivers with varying degrees of skill. We must all work together to make the highways a safer place for all vehicles. Obey all traffic devices, remembering to also drive defensively to avoid what might be a dangerous situation. It is important to appreciate the challenges faced by the truck drivers who work diligently day in and day out to guarantee the safety of the public and prompt arrival of their cargo.
The size and weight of trucks means it takes more time to stop and maneuver a tractor and trailer than it does for a passenger car. Even though truck drivers are professionals, it is necessary for you to take extra precautions while driving near these large vehicles.
Never forget to buckle up!
[font color="red" size="3"]
NEVER CUT IN FRONT
[/font] Trucks take longer to stop than cars, therefore they maintain an appropriate following distance behind other vehicles. This "cushion of safety" is not an invitation to cut in front of them. Doing so only diminishes the trucker's "cushion."
[font color="darkred" size="3"]
BLIND SPOTS
[/font] If you cannot see the trucker, the trucker cannot see you! Always remember when driving on the left side, if you cannot see the driver's head in the side view mirror, then you are in a blind spot and the trucker can not see you. Never drive directly behind or on the right side of a truck as you are not visible to the driver. All of these are known as the "No Zone".
[font color="darkred" size="3"]
NO LINGERING
[/font] Never linger beside a truck. Due to blind spots, the truck driver may not be aware that you are there.
[font color="darkred" size="3"]
PASSING A TRUCK
[/font] It will take 3-5 seconds longer to pass a tractor-trailer than it does to pass a truck. When passing a tractor-trailer, check to your front and rear. Try to pass in a timely manner to avoid staying along side so you will not be placed in one of the trucker's blind spots. If you are passing a truck, always pass on the left side making sure to allow plenty of room before switching back in front of the truck. Never cut in front of a big-rig. Look in your rear view mirror for the trucker to blink his headlights. This is a signal to you to bring your vehicle back over as there is now a cushion of safety between you and the truck.
[font color="darkred" size="3"]
WHEN A TRUCK PASSES YOU
[/font] Stay to the right and slow down just a little. Truckers often do this when they are being passed. It helps the passing vehicle to complete the pass safely. Never speed up when a tractor-trailer passes as this can cause a very dangerous situation, especially in heavy traffic.
[font color="darkred" size="3"]
ONCOMING TRUCKS
[/font] If there is an oncoming truck approaching you on a two-lane highway, it is a very good idea to keep to the right side of your lane and slow down a little. This will help avoid the chance of a sideswipe, and also reduce the effect of the wind turbulence as the truck passes you. Remember wind turbulence pushes vehicles apart, not together!
[font color="red" size="3"]
TAILGATING
[/font] Never follow a truck too closely! Not only are you not visible to the truck driver, your view ahead is also blocked by the rear of the trailer. If you cannot see the trucker's side mirrors, then they cannot see you either. You are now traveling too close, so slow down to maintain a cushion of safety between you and the truck ahead. A greater response time is needed to maneuver around any large vehicle such as a tractor-trailer. Other hazards include tire blowout or flying debris stirred up on the roadside by the truck.
[font color="darkred" size="3"]
MERGING COURTESY
[/font] When traveling in the right lane, courtesy dictates that you move over to allow a truck to merge. Be especially careful when pulling behind a truck which has just entered the highway; remember it takes much longer for a truck to get up to speed than for you in your automobile.
[font color="darkred" size="3"]
BE CAREFUL NEAR WEIGH STATIONS
[/font] Trucks will be slowing down when entering or exiting weigh stations. They will also be traveling slow when reentering the highway from weigh stations. Always be extra alert when near these areas.
[font color="darkred" size="3"]
SLOW TRAFFIC BELONGS IN THE RIGHT LANE
[/font]When you are traveling below the speed limit travel in the right lane. This allows trucks to pass you safely in the left lane if necessary.
[font color="blue" size="size"] Here are some safe driving tips that will help you, along with the trucking professional have a safe journey on the highways.[/font]
Have your route planned. Get the appropriate maps before you leave. There are many excellent resources online to help you plan your trip, SO USE THEM!
Even if you've missed your exit, [font color="red" size="3"]DO NOT BACKUP ON THE HIGHWAY![/font] Don't panic; just go to the next exit and turn around.
Lane changing excessively is hazardous to everyone.
Plan alternate routes to possibly avoid congestion.
Failure to use your signals when changing lanes is dangerous and ILLEGAL!
Unless necessary, never use your highbeams when traveling behind another vehicle.
Look carefully before merging onto a highway.
Stay out of the "NO ZONE" (blind spots).
Always give your vehicle a safety check before traveling. During a heavy rainstorm you do not want to find out that your windshield wipers are not working. Before leaving check headlights, wipers, tire condition and pressure, fluids and belts.
Fog and inclement weather makes visibility difficult, so turn your headlights ON to make your vehicle more visible.
Even if it's tempting, never "rubberneck.” "Rubbernecking" causes accidents.
The most dangerous speed on a highway is ZERO. NEVER stop on the highway.
You must get proper rest before traveling. The United States Department of Transportation estimates that no less than 200,000 traffic accidents a year are caused by driver fatigue. Drowsy drivers actually cause more fatalities per accident than do drunken drivers.
Tailgating is dangerous and causes many accidents.
If passing a truck, always maintain your speed.
Pulling in front of a truck is dangerous, if it is not completely visible in your rear view mirror.
[font color="red" size="4"]
SEAT BELTS ARE A MUST!!!!!!!
[/font] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We hope that these tips help you and your family to have a safe and wonderful trip. Working together we can help make our nation's highways the safest in the world.
_________________________________________________________________________________
I found these tips while doing some research (they aren't mine). I thought it would be great if everyone that just read this would copy it to their email program or printed it and sent it to every person you know driving on the roads today. What is more precious to a loved one than the gift of LIFE!!! These safety tips are right on the money, and if every driver would follow them, we would see a significant reduction of accidents on our roads. Happy Holidays
