Is it advisable to travel next to 18-wheelers?

Traveling next to 18-wheelers is generally not advisable due to several safety concerns. Large trucks have significant blind spots, commonly called "no-zones," which make it difficult for the truck driver to see vehicles that are traveling alongside them. These blind spots can extend several feet in front, behind, and to the sides of the truck, meaning that if a vehicle is alongside an 18-wheeler, the truck driver may not be aware of its presence, increasing the risk of an accident.

Additionally, large trucks require much longer stopping distances than smaller vehicles. If a vehicle is traveling too close to a truck, it may not be able to react in time if the truck makes an abrupt stop or a lane change.

Moreover, when a truck is making a turn, for instance, it may extend into adjacent lanes and affect surrounding traffic. Thus, maintaining a safe distance away from 18-wheelers is essential for enhancing road safety and minimizing the potential for collisions.

In contrast, while staying in a truck's lane, or assuming that they provide a good view might seem logical, these factors do not account for the inherent risks associated with proximity to large vehicles. Therefore, the best practice is to keep a safe distance from 18