Millions of Americans will hit the road over the July Fourth holiday weekend, making it one of the busiest travel periods of the year. With more vehicles sharing the road, it's a good time to revisit some simple safety habits, especially when driving near commercial trucks.

To help travelers arrive safely at their destinations, Zonar Systems shared five practical tips from professional truck driver Devon Anderson of DC Anderson Company.

1. Stay out of the "No Zones"

Large trucks have significant blind spots on all four sides, particularly along the passenger side, directly behind the trailer, and immediately in front of the cab. If you can't see the driver's face in their side mirror, there's a good chance they can't see you.

Remaining visible and avoiding extended periods in these blind spots reduces the risk of sideswipe and lane-change collisions.

2. Pass Vehicles Safely

Passing a commercial truck requires patience and clear communication. Always use your turn signal, pass on the left whenever possible, and avoid lingering alongside the trailer. Once you've safely passed, make sure you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror before moving back into the lane.

Giving truck drivers predictable cues helps everyone make safer decisions.

3. Don't Cut Off Other Drivers

A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh tens of thousands of pounds and requires a much longer stopping distance than a passenger vehicle. Cutting in front of a truck and immediately slowing down can leave the driver with little time to react.

Leaving adequate space before changing lanes helps prevent rear-end crashes and gives truck drivers the room they need to stop safely.

4. Give Trucks Plenty of Space

Tailgating is dangerous behind any vehicle, but especially behind a large truck. Following too closely limits your visibility and reduces reaction time if traffic suddenly slows.

It's also important to remember that trucks often need extra room to complete wide turns. Giving commercial vehicles additional space can help avoid unexpected conflicts on busy roadways.

5. Be Mindful of Peak Accident Times

The original guidance suggested limiting travel during periods when crashes are more common, particularly before noon and during the late-afternoon and early-evening commute. While not everyone can avoid driving during these times, being aware of heavier traffic volumes, distracted drivers, and holiday congestion can help motorists stay alert and plan accordingly.

The Bottom Line

Sharing the road safely comes down to visibility, communication, patience, and space. These simple habits can help reduce stress for both truck drivers and passenger vehicle drivers while making holiday travel safer for everyone.

Editor's Note: These holiday safety tips were originally shared by Zonar Systems in 2018 and attributed to professional truck driver Devon Anderson of DC Anderson Company. While vehicle technology has advanced over the past several years, the fundamentals of safe driving around commercial trucks remain just as relevant today. Whether you're heading out for a July Fourth celebration or embarking on a summer road trip, these reminders can help keep everyone safer on the road.