Passenger vehicles must know how to share the road safely with large trucks and buses – and a campaign by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) emphasizes that need.

The Our Roads, Our Safety initiative is intended to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses,” according to said FMCSA Deputy Administrator Daphne Jefferson. 

The American Bus Association, AAA and the American Trucking Association have joined with FMCSA in the effort to educate all pedestrians, bicyclists, passenger vehicle drivers and commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers on how to better share the roadways and improve safety for all.

There are several simple actions passenger vehicle drivers should take while sharing the road with large trucks and buses:

• Stay out of the “No Zones” or blind spots at the front, back and sides of the vehicle
• Make sure they can see the driver in the mirror before safely passing
• Don’t cut in close while merging in front of a CMV
• Stay back a safe distance to avoid being in the blind spot
• Anticipate wide turns and consider larger vehicles may require extra turning room
• Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions
• Lastly, be patient driving around large trucks and buses

In addition to these tips, parents and teachers can involve children aged 5-12 in highlighting the importance of road safety by participating in the Road Safety Art Contest. The contest allows children in kindergarten through sixth grade to use their creativity and talent to help raise awareness of how to stay safe on the roads.

Visit www.sharetheroadsafely.gov to get involved. Learn more and share information about how passenger vehicle drivers, CMV drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians share a responsibility for making our roads a safer place for everyone.