Larry Farris, 62, of Jefferson City, Missouri and Michael Gentry, 30, of Osage Beach, Missouri were involved in a two vehicle crash on May 13th, 2010 on Highway 63 south of Angel Lane in Boone County. According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F, Farris, who was operating a 2000 International Box Truck, was driving in the passing lane, when Gentry, who was operating a 2007 Dodge Ram Pickup, failed to notice Farris and changed lanes to pass the truck, causing him to strike Farris' truck in the rear. Farris was taken by EMS to the University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri for treatment of his injuries.
Driving a passenger vehicle around big trucks can be dangerous. According to the Missouri 2008 Traffic Safety Compendium, 3.2% of crashes where drivers sustained injuries involved a large truck like Farris'.
Here are some suggestions from Road Safe America on how to drive safely when you're around big trucks:
•Be alert and cautious when you approach a large truck. They don't drive the same way a car does.
•Be aware of blind spots in trucks. If you cannot see a truck's side mirrors, the truck driver cannot see you. One-third of all crashes between large trucks and cars take place in the blind spots around a truck.
•Do not pass a truck on the right if the truck is turning right. Large trucks often make a wide left swing to make a right turn safely.
•Do not cut off large vehicles. They require more room to stop because they are so big.
•To pass a large vehicle, accelrate slightly and maintain a consistent speed while passing. Wait until you can see the entire cab of the truck in your rearview mirror before re-entering the driving lane in front of it.
•Observe a truck's turn signals before you attempt to pass it to make sure the driver isn't waiting for an opening to change lanes or make a turn themselves.
•Give large trucks extra room in wet conditions and at highway speeds, at least four to six seconds of space in between you and the truck.
•Call authorities if you see unsafe driving.
