Safety tips for commercial, passenger vehicles

By Rob Vogt
Whether vacationing, working, or taking a quick trip to run errands, drivers will be sharing the road with commercial vehicles, as more Albertans will be traveling on the highways this summer season.
Commercial and passenger vehicle safety is critical to avoiding unnecessary risks while on the road. The Claresholm RCMP offers these tips to stay safe:
Commercial drivers:
• Complete pre-trip equipment checks to ensure your vehicle is road-worthy.
• Be sure to leave enough distance between you and other vehicles on the road.
• Have an alternative route plan in place in the event of road closures.
• Plan your trip with enough time to reduce urgency, and rest when you are tired.
Passenger vehicles:
• Commercial vehicles cannot maneuver or stop as quickly as a passenger vehicle. When behind a commercial vehicle, maintain a safe following distance. This can be determined by your ability to see their side mirrors at all times.
• Before changing lanes in front of a commercial vehicle, signal well in advance, and be sure to leave extra space before taking the lane.
• Avoid driving in a commercial vehicle’s blind spots.