Truckers are nothing short of blood cells transporting vital oxygen to the organs and appendages of America. However, even with their necessity, commercial truck drivers aren’t above the law. As such, it can be frustrating, scary, or even dangerous when a trucker abandons quality driving behaviors in an 80,000-lb vehicle. So, what should you do if you see a commercial vehicle like a semi-truck breaking the law and driving dangerously?

Give a law-breaking trucker lots of space and report unlawful commercial vehicles to the authorities

It’s a frightening image: a frustrated or fatigued trucker speeding, swerving, and tailgating. Frankly, the largest vehicles on the road misbehaving is a dangerous prospect that could result in cars running off the road, crashes, or worse. However, you can stay safe by giving semi-trucks lots of space. 

Consequently, a semi-truck can’t hit your vehicle if there’s space. If the trucker is being especially dangerous, you should exit the highway and allow some space to build between yourself and the commercial vehicle in question. 

Still, if you have serious safety concerns about a semi-truck, you can call 911 to report the vehicle to the authorities. Frankly, some departments, like the Austin Police Department (APD), operate a commercial vehicle enforcement division. 

Moreover, some transport companies or freight carriers will include a “How’s my driving?” or “Report unsafe driving” placard on the back of the trailer. Those placards should include a phone number that onlookers can call to report safety concerns. With any luck, the receiving authorities will take complaints and reports seriously.

However, the most important thing is to steer clear of a trucker exhibiting unsafe driving behaviors. After all, a fully-laden semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs. It takes these road-bound freight trains the length of nearly two football fields to stop from 65 mph. As such, a speeding or swerving semi-truck could be a danger to you and your passengers.