As a delivery driver, you're on the highway more than most people — and you're sharing it with vehicles ten times the size of yours. A fully loaded B-double weighs up to 68 tonnes. Your van weighs 3.5. If something goes wrong between you and a truck, the physics are not in your favour. Understanding how trucks move, where their blind spots are, and what the unwritten rules of highway driving are isn't just good etiquette — it can save your life.
Understanding Truck Blind Spots
Trucks have massive blind spots — far bigger than you'd expect. According to the NHVR sharing the road with trucks guide, a truck driver cannot see vehicles directly behind, directly beside (on either side), or in a large zone on the left-hand side (passenger side). The rule of thumb: if you can't see the truck's mirrors, the truck driver can't see you.
When passing a truck, don't linger beside it. Accelerate smoothly and get past the blind spot zone as quickly as possible. Sitting alongside a truck for extended periods puts you in the most dangerous position on the highway — invisible to the driver and one lane change away from disaster.
Never tailgate a truck. You can't see what's ahead of it, and if it brakes suddenly you'll go straight under the tray. Leave at least 4 seconds of following distance behind a truck — more in wet conditions or at higher speeds.
Overtaking Safely
Overtake on the right. Always. Passing a truck on the left (undertaking) puts you in the biggest blind spot. If the truck moves left — even slightly — you have nowhere to go.
Don't cut back in too early. After overtaking, make sure you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror before moving back into the left lane. Cutting in front and then slowing down forces the truck to brake hard — and 68 tonnes doesn't stop quickly.
Flash your lights. Many truckers appreciate a quick high-beam flash from a van they've let merge or overtake. It's a simple courtesy that acknowledges them. Truckies remember the drivers who show respect — and on regional runs, you'll see the same trucks regularly.
General Highway Etiquette
Keep left unless overtaking. Sitting in the right lane at the speed limit while trucks bank up behind you is dangerous and frustrating for everyone. Use the right lane only to pass, then move back left.
Anticipate truck movements. Trucks take longer to accelerate, brake, and change lanes. If you see a truck indicating, give them room. They wouldn't be changing lanes unless they need to — and once a truck commits to a lane change, it's hard to reverse.
Be patient on hills. Loaded trucks slow significantly on inclines. Don't get frustrated behind a truck doing 60 on a hill — wait for a safe passing opportunity rather than making a risky overtake.
Give room at roundabouts. Trucks need to swing wide to get around roundabouts. Don't creep up alongside a truck at a roundabout — it physically cannot turn tightly enough to avoid you. Wait behind and give them the space they need.