Truck Lane Change Mistakes: Prevention & Safety Tips

“Big trucks yield to small vehicles,” this saying seems to have become an unwritten rule on every road. However, few realize that changing lanes to “yield” can actually pose many accident risks, especially for “kings of the road” like trucks. So, what are the causes of improper lane changing and how to prevent it effectively? Let’s explore with Xe Tải Hà Nội right now!

A truck improperly changing lanes on a road

1. Improper Lane Changing: A Double-Edged Sword on Every Journey

Changing lanes is a familiar maneuver for any driver, but for trucks, it requires even more concentration and skill. Just a small oversight can lead to unpredictable consequences.

1.1. Causes: When “Kings” Become Careless

There are many reasons leading to improper lane changing, with the most common being:

• Not observing carefully: The blind spots of trucks are much larger than cars, making observation before changing lanes even more crucial.
• Subjectivity and lack of concentration: Many truck drivers, due to familiarity with the route and long-distance driving, can become subjective, negligent, and lack concentration while driving, leading to unsafe lane changes.
• Not using turn signals: Failure to use turn signals or using them incorrectly prevents other vehicles from reacting in time, causing collisions.
• High speed: Moving at high speed when changing lanes makes it difficult to control unexpected situations.
• Heavy traffic, narrow roads: Driving during rush hour or on crowded roads is also one of the reasons that makes lane changing more dangerous.
• Impact of weather: Rain, wind, fog, etc., limit visibility, affecting the driver’s ability to observe.

1.2. Consequences: A Concern for Society

Improper lane changing not only causes damage to people and property but also leads to many consequences such as:

• Traffic congestion: Truck accidents during lane changes often cause serious traffic jams, especially on key routes such as National Highway 1A, Phap Van – Cau Gie Expressway, etc.
• Psychological impact: Traffic accidents, whether large or small, leave heavy psychological trauma for those involved.
• Loss of reputation: For transportation businesses, frequent traffic violations by drivers will affect the reputation and image of the business.

Traffic accident caused by improper lane change of a truck

2. Preventing Improper Lane Changing: “Caution is Never Too Much”

To prevent improper lane changing, truck drivers need to pay attention to the following points:

• Always observe carefully: Use rearview mirrors, direct observation, and dashcams (if available) to ensure safety before changing lanes.
• Use turn signals correctly: Turn on turn signals at least 30m before changing lanes to signal to other vehicles.
• Maintain a safe following distance: Do not follow the vehicle in front too closely, especially when driving in bad weather conditions.
• Proactively reduce speed: Reduce speed when changing lanes, especially when changing to a lane with higher traffic density.
• Choose the appropriate time: Lane changes should be made on quiet, clear road sections, avoiding lane changes in crowded places, intersections, or narrow roads.

3. Story from Hyundai Giai Phong Truck Dealer: A Lesson to Remember

Mr. Tuan, a long-time truck driver at the Hyundai Giai Phong truck dealership, shared his unforgettable story. Once, while transporting goods from Hanoi to Hai Phong, due to heavy rain and slippery roads, he was inattentive when changing lanes and collided with a motorcycle traveling in the same direction. Fortunately, the incident did not cause any casualties, but it was enough to make him regret it ever since.

“Since then, I have always kept in mind the lesson “caution is never too much”, especially when driving a truck. Because just a moment of negligence or carelessness can cost lives for yourself and those around you,” – Mr. Tuan shared.

4. Frequently Asked Questions About Improper Lane Changing:

4.1. What is the penalty for improper lane changing?

The penalty for improper lane changing depends on each specific case. According to Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, the fine ranges from VND 800,000 to VND 1,200,000 for trucks with a tonnage of less than 3,500 kg and from VND 3,000,000 to VND 4,000,000 for trucks with a tonnage of 3,500 kg or more. In addition, drivers may also have their driving licenses revoked for 1 to 3 months.

4.2. How to identify the lane for trucks?

To identify the lane for trucks, you can rely on:

• Road markings: Truck lanes are often designated by white or yellow road markings.
• Traffic signs: Signs such as “Truck Lane”, “No Trucks” will help you identify your lane.
• Observe other vehicles: Observe the movement of other vehicles, especially other trucks, to determine the appropriate lane.

4.3. What should I do when encountering problems while changing lanes?

When encountering problems while changing lanes, you need to calmly handle them in the following steps:

• Stay calm, do not brake suddenly: Sudden braking can cause the vehicle to lose control, endangering yourself and other vehicles.
• Turn on hazard warning lights: Turn on hazard warning lights to signal to other vehicles that your vehicle is experiencing problems.
• Move the vehicle to the side of the road: When the vehicle has slowed down, slowly steer and move the vehicle to the safe side of the road.
• Place warning signs: Place warning signs 50 – 100m behind the vehicle to warn other vehicles.

5. Xe Tải Hà Nội: Accompanying You on Every Road

Choosing a truck that suits your needs is extremely important, contributing to ensuring your safety on every journey. Xe Tải Hà Nội is proud to be a supplier of a variety of high-quality trucks from reputable brands such as Hyundai, Isuzu, Hino…

Contact Xe Tải Hà Nội immediately for the best advice and support!

Address: Districts in Hanoi: Cau Giay, Hoan Kiem, Hai Ba Trung, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Hoang Mai, Thanh Xuan, Long Bien, Tay Ho, Ha Dong…

Hotline: [Phone number]

Website: https://xetaihanoi.edu.vn/

Similar products: Hyundai Trucks, Isuzu Trucks, Hino Trucks, Dongfeng Trucks, Faw Trucks…

Improper lane changing is one of the dangerous traffic violations, posing many risks of accidents. Hopefully, this article has provided you with useful information about improper lane changing and how to prevent it effectively. Always be a responsible driver, for your safety and the community!