What are some things truck drivers know that others do not?
Jim Lee
Jim Lee, Presently a Long-haul Truck Driver (2009-present)
Answered Aug 1, 2018
Originally Answered: What do truck drivers understand that most people don't?
Please don’t cut me off. My engine alone weighs as much as your entire car, and it can take me a looong time to come to a stop. You could very easily wind up like this guy, in what used to be a Corvette:

You guys who are deathly afraid to pass trucks? Think about this: semis pass each other all the time, but when’s the last time you ever hear of two semis colliding with each other while overtaking? If those two big assed vehicles can pass one another without sideswiping each other then what’s your issue? Most of these trucks are actually driving straighter than you are; what you’re seeing is an illusion caused by their size and the fact that they’re articulated. Trust me, cars constantly weave within their lanes, too, and probably more than trucks - it’s just not that noticeable when the vehicle isn’t 80 feet long.

Speaking of passing a semi: another thing to think about is that those tires on the trailer are inflated to around 100 psi (most passenger cars tires are about 35 to 45 psi). Keeping in mind that many companies run recaps on those trailers to save money, imagine what would happen if one of those tires blew right next to you?




(The damage to this truck was the result of a tire blowout. Do you think your car would even stand a chance? Please don’t linger around semis.)

When you come to a stop sign, ever notice that line painted on the ground?

There’s a good reason for that: when a semi makes a right turn, it needs (at least) half the opposite lane from where it’s turning, most of the intersection, and part of your lane; this keeps the trailer from obliterating whatever (and whoever) is standing on that corner. If you stop past that line then you are taking away the room necessary for that semi to avoid possibly committing vehicular homicide.

Cars seem to have this tendency to “swarm” or “crowd” semis, especially in moderate to heavy traffic. This is NOT smart: because of their weight and size, semis need a bit of room around them to keep themselves and (especially!!!) you safe and off the 7 o’clock news. When you crowd a large vehicle like this you end up taking away any options which may be available to that driver should something happen - and you may have unknowingly put yourself directly in the line of fire. If an emergency situation crops up then that semi has to go somewhere - and it may very well be right over YOU. Give them some room, please, for your own sake. (EDIT: this is also the very same reason why I think truckers who tailgate are STUPID AS HELL and are asking for a world of shit).
Culled from Quora.com