First off - You'll see the title isn't about people with a very short attention span. As I was driving down a nearly empty highway in Quebec the other day, two cruising bikes come up on my left, pass me and then swerve right in front of me ( happens all the time, with bikes, cars, trucks, name it ).
But they're jumping into my "kill zone" because I'm in a 39 ton single bore hazardous liquid chemical tanker. It takes me between 3-5 times the distance (or time) to stop. That means even in your car, you pass me, pull in front, forget about me, then see a deer, another car pull in front of you and brake, or have a mechanical problem, anything, if it takes you about two seconds to stop, then the wreckage is dragged down the road for four more seconds before I can stop, plenty of time for the sparks to ignite the fuel that's likely leaking from your tank. On a bike ? I don't need to say. So - at 60 mph we travel 264 feet in three seconds. That's what I would suggest you leave in front of me - three seconds - 264 feet, you don't have to measure it, just think "nowhere near the front of that semi" OK ?
Just so I have a chance, to save your life. Thanks.

 

Just think of it as natural selection.

 

Maybe this is easier to remember and keep it in mind: An 18 wheeler with a gross weight of 80,000 lbs (40 ton) running at 55 mph, reacts, applies brakes and comes to a complete stop it takes 400 yards. This is on a rig with well adjusted brakes, on the flat and on a dry road. Here's the picture to remember: 400 yards = 4 football fields. That can be a lot of carnage. as speed goes up, or gross weight is reduced or road surface is wet, the distance increases by hundreds of yards.

 

I always try to give you guys as much room as possible. I have to say that I love riding a bike with trucks on the road. You guys are true professionals. I pull up in the left lane riding the dots until you see me in the mirror. When I see the truck move over a foot or so to the right, I hit the outside of my lane and go on by, throwing a hand up as a "thanks" as I go by. I feel safer around 18 wheels than I do around four. You guys be safe!

 

Great reminder. Don't be in front of a big truck. Even if I can stop, he cannot do so nearly as quickly or well. Got it. Thanks.

 

Dont forget to mention the kill zone on the right, especially when the tractor/semi trailer is making a right turn. Many motorcyclists have been crushed by the trailer axles.

 

Riding the bike or driving my vehicle I try to respect trucks. Givethem space and respect your surroundings especially when you know the bigger vehicle always wins.

 

As long as we're giving advice: The same info regarding stopping distance and turning radius applies to a bus as well as an 18 wheeler.

 

I pass semis as fast as possible, and put as much distance between them and I as fast as I can. I want nothing to do with them. This applies whether I'm riding or driving.

Cheers!

 

I drive a non baffled milk tanker. As mentioned above add quite bit more if Im less than full.
The liquid movement on a hard brake can push a truck forward with the wheels stopped and brakes applied a few feet.
When I lived in Colorado, it was fun hauling milk on snow and ice!