2.7.3 – Space to the Sides

Commercial vehicles are often wide and take up most of a lane. Safe drivers will manage what little space they have. You can do this by keeping your vehicle in your lane and avoiding driving alongside others.

Staying in a Lane. You need to keep your vehicle in the lane to keep safe clearance on either side. If your vehicle is wide, you have little room to spare.

Traveling Next to Others. There are dangers in traveling alongside other vehicles:

• Another driver may change lanes suddenly and turn into you.
• You may be when you need to change lanes.

Find an spot where you are not near other traffic. When traffic is heavy, it may be hard to find an open spot. If you must travel near other vehicles, try to keep as much space as possible between you and them. Also, drop or pull so that you are sure the other driver can you.

Strong Winds. Strong winds make it difficult to stay in your lane. The problem is usually worse for lighter vehicles. This problem can be especially bad coming out of . Do not drive alongside others if you can avoid it.

2.7.4 – Space Overhead

Hitting overhead objects is a . Make sure you always have overhead .

Do assume that the heights posted at bridges and overpasses are correct. Repaving or packed snow may have the clearances since the heights were posted.

The weight of a cargo van changes its height. An empty van is than a loaded one. Even though you got under a bridge when you were loaded, it does not mean that you can do it when you are empty.

If you doubt you have safe space to pass under an object, go . If you are not sure you can make it, take another . Warnings are often posted on low bridges or underpasses, but sometimes they are not.

Some roads can cause a vehicle to . There can be a problem clearing objects along the edge of the road, such as signs, trees or bridge supports. Where this is a problem, drive a little closer to the of the road.

Before you back into an area, get out and check for overhanging objects such as trees, branches or electric wires. It is easy to miss seeing them while you are . (Also check for other hazards at the same time.)

2.7.5 – Space Below

Many drivers forget about the space their vehicles. That space can be very when a vehicle is heavily loaded. This is often a problem on roads and in unpaved yards. Do not take a chance on getting hung up. Drainage channels across roads can cause the ends of some vehicles to . Cross such depressions carefully.

Railroad can also cause problems, particularly when pulling with a low underneath clearance. Do not take a chance on getting hung up halfway across.

2.7.6 – Space for Turns

The space around a truck or is important in turns. Because of wide turning and off , large vehicles can other vehicles or objects during turns.

Right Turns. Following are some rules to help prevent right turn crashes:

• Turn to give yourself and others more time to avoid problems.
• If you are driving a truck or bus that cannot make the right turn without swinging into another lane, turn as you complete the turn. Keep the of your vehicle close to the curb. This will stop other drivers from passing you on the .
• Do not turn wide to the as you start the turn. A following driver may think you are turning and try to pass you on the right. You may crash into the other vehicle as you complete your turn.
• If you must cross into the lane to make a turn, watch out for vehicles coming you. Give them room to go by or to stop. However, do not for them because you might hit someone behind you. (See Figure 2.13.)