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Last Updated: Mar 26th, 2006 - 13:41:45 |
(NUI) - During the busy holiday travel season, it is important to think about safety on the road. Before you travel, consider these tips from Bridgestone/Firestone and the American Trucking Association:
* Avoid driving in a truck driver's blind spots. Remember, if you can't see the truck's side mirrors, the truck driver can't see you. Large trucks rarely have rear view mirrors and this blind spot extends at least 30 feet behind the trailer. The blind spot alongside the truck also extends out several lanes on each side of the vehicle. If you're driving in one of these areas and the truck has to change lanes, the driver may not be able to see you.
* Don't drive alongside of a truck turning right. When a truck makes a sharp turn, the driver must swing wide. Because the driver's mirror is fixed to the tractor, during a turn the driver usually can't see anything on the right side of the truck.
* Don't pass a semi truck and then cut in front of it. Can you see a small object directly in front of your front bumper? Neither can a truck. That area can extend up to four car lengths in front of a semi truck. If you have to stop suddenly, it can take the semi truck twice the distance to stop that it takes you.
* Always check the air pressure in your tires before you travel. Improper inflation can damage your tires. Tire pressure changes as outdoor temperatures change. Use a good quality air pressure gauge and refer to the proper tire inflation information from your automobile's manufacturer, commonly listed on the door jamb or in the owner's manual. Properly inflated tires also can save you several hundred dollars annually at the gas pumps.
For more tire safety information, visit www.tiresafety.com.
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