Driving Safety Tips from America's Road Team

07/08/96

Dottie Bryant, professional truck driver and Captain of America's Road Team, has some advice for motorists who share the roads with trucks. Dottie, has driven over 1.5 million miles without an accident, and currently drives tractor trailers for Safeway Stores in Landover, Maryland. America's Road Team is a group of selected professional truck drivers with outstanding driving records who tour the country sharing tips on highway safety with motorists and truck drivers alike.

"Arriving at your destination safely -- and sharing the road with trucks -- is not all that complicated, if you follow a few simple rules," Dottie says. "They may sound obvious, but I'm out on the road almost everyday, and you'd be amazed how many drivers ignore the obvious and put themselves, their families, and fellow travelers in danger."

Dottie's Tips for Drivers
• Don't cut in front of a truck just because you see an open space there. That space is the trucker's cushion of safety.
• Don't linger alongside a truck. You may be in the trucker's blind spot.
• If you're following a truck and you can't see the truck's mirrors, you're driving too close. The truck driver can't see you.
• Never drive tired or fatigued. Take a break at least every two hours. Get out of your vehicle and stretch, walk around, or take a nap.
• Don't drink and drive. Be courteous. Slow down and always, always wear your safety belt.

State Police reports show that in 71% of fatal accidents involving cars and trucks, the driver of the car was at fault.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel