The next time you pass a semi-truck on the highway, consider this: without truck drivers, store shelves would be empty, gas stations would run dry, and online orders would never arrive. Yet for many people, the realities of life on the road as a truck driver remain a mystery. By understanding the challenges professional drivers face, we can all make the road a safer place for everyone. Here are five things every non-truck driver should know.

Trucks Need More Space and Time to Stop

One of the most important things to understand about semi-trucks is that they need significantly more space and time to stop than a car. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while a Toyota Camry weighs about 3,300 pounds. That extra weight means longer braking distances, sometimes as much as two football fields before coming to a complete stop. Merging or cutting too closely in front of a truck, or braking suddenly when you are already in front of one, can lead to a collision, because the driver has no way of stopping in time. Giving trucks plenty of space is critical for everyone’s safety.

Avoiding Truck’s Large Blind Spots

Semi-trucks have much larger blind spots than most drivers realize, often called “no-zones.” These include the following:

1. Directly in front – The cab sits high, so the driver can’t see a car that’s too close in front of them.
2. Directly behind – If you’re tailgating, the driver has no idea you’re there.
3. Left side – The blind spot runs from just behind the cab to the back of the trailer.
4. Right Side – This is the largest blind spot, stretching across 2 lanes and down the length of most of the cab.

A good rule of thumb is that if you can’t see the truck driver in your mirrors, they probably can’t see you. Staying out of these blind spots, passing quickly and safely, and avoiding lingering beside a truck can greatly reduce the risk of accidents.

Truck Drivers Must Follow Federal and State Regulations

Truck drivers operate under some of the strictest rules on the road, all designed to keep everyone safe. Before they even start driving, truckers must complete extensive training, pass background checks, and undergo regular drug screenings. Once they start driving, there are many additional rules and regulations they must follow. For example, federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations limit how many hours they can drive before taking a mandatory break, helping to prevent fatigue and accidents. Other regulations include weight limits and route restrictions that ensure trucks travel safely without damaging roads or bridges. It takes a lot of training, skill, and professionalism to be a truck driver, which helps keep all of us safe.

Trucking Is a Lifestyle

For many drivers, trucking isn’t just a job. It’s more like a way of life. Long-haul drivers often spend weeks at a time on the road, making personal sacrifices to ensure the goods we rely on arrive where we need them. In addition to the long hours, the work comes with many additional challenges, including demanding schedules, unpredictable or difficult weather conditions, heavy traffic, and understanding and following different regulations across states. Yet there’s also a deep sense of camaraderie among many drivers, and there is unified pride from playing such a vital role in the economy. It’s a lifestyle built on resilience, dedication, and a commitment to delivering for others.

It’s Everyone’s Job To Share the Road Safely

There’s a lot that most people don’t see when they pass a semi on the highway. Understanding these realities is about safety, respect, and sharing the road responsibly. Truck drivers are skilled professionals who keep our country running, often making sacrifices to deliver the goods we depend on every day. The next time you see a big rig in your rearview mirror, remember the challenges that come with the job and do your part to make their work just a little easier.

Drive with Pride Transport

At Pride Transport, we know what it takes to be a professional truck driver. It’s not just about getting from Point A to Point B, it’s about responsibility, skill, and commitment to doing the job right. That’s why we work hard to support our drivers with top-tier equipment, reliable home time, and a company culture that respects what life on the road really looks like.

If you’re a professional driver who wants to be part of a team that understands the challenges of the road and values your experience, Pride Transport is the place for you.

Ready to make the move? Apply to drive with Pride today.