New law requires drivers to learn to share the road with truckers

A new law that goes into effect Jan. 1, 2009 will require all Minnesota driving schools to teach future drivers how to share the road with big rigs.

Prospective drivers will learn about blind spots, stopping distances and other safety issues involved in driving with big trucks on the road.

Truck drivers near Hudson, WI told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS the biggest problem is blind spots. They said 18-wheelers have five of them. Two are in the front corners. Two are on the sides and one is in back. When cars are in any of these areas they can not see them.

They also said they believe too many drivers do not leave enough distance between themselves and a semi. Truckers told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS when they are going 65 MPH with a full load it takes the equivilant of three football field lengths to stop.

Truck drivers 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS talked to said they believe the new law is a great start, but think drivers should be required to spend time driving with semi trucks so they can better understand the challenges they face.


Source: ktsp.com