IT PAYS TO BE SAFE

No. 5, February, 2010
Avoiding the "Squeeze Play"

After rear-end accidents, one of the most common accidents truck drivers are involved in is the right-turn squeeze. This occurs when truck drivers are trying to make a right-hand turn at an intersection and the motorist in the blind spot behind their trailer tries to squeeze between the right-hand curb and the semi-tractor/trailer.

Undoubtedly, the motorist will claim afterward that they thought the truck driver was making a left-hand turn (despite your right-hand turn signal) because the driver maneuvered to the left before making his or her right-hand turn.

The best defensive strategy for the truck driver is to limit the "kick left steer maneuver" as much as possible. In order to avoid that careless passenger vehicle, the driver should move as far left as possible in his own lane and then, if necessary, cross over into the oncoming traffic lane into which he is trying to make his right-hand turn in order to complete the maneuver.

Making the right-turn maneuver in this fashion gives the truck driver the best opportunity to see that he has a clear path to make his turn while giving him or her the best chance of preventing another motorist from making a bad decision.

Often the public doesn't understand a truck driver's blind spots. Utilizing the strategy described above, you as a truck driver can help save them from themselves and prevent the right-hand squeeze-play accident. For the truck driver, the best strategy is to drive defensively, and it always pays to be safe.