Texas Driver Handbook 2017

Chapter 9: Some Special Driving Situations 

Texas Driver Handbook

Driving in a Modern Roundabout

To drive in a modern roundabout, follow these simple steps: slow down as you approach the intersection, yield to traffic already in 

the circle, enter the circle and follow the loop in a counter clockwise direction, and then make a right turn to exit the roundabout. 

Road signs, pavement markings and its design help guide drivers through a modern roundabout.

Advantages of a Modern Roundabout

A modern roundabout can help save driver and pedestrian lives, as well as greatly reduce the number and severity of crashes. A 

modern roundabout saves commute time by increasing traffic capacity 30% to 50% even with vehicles traveling at slower speeds. 

The community also benefits from a safer intersection that lasts more than twice as long as traffic lights that have to be installed, 

maintained, adjusted, and repaired. There is also a reduction in air pollution and an increase in fuel savings because vehicles are

not idling at traffic lights.

Source: Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

Floods

Floods are one of the most common hazards in the U.S. Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related.

These are the facts:

•  Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling.

•  Twelve inches of water will float many cars.

•  Two feet of rushing water will carry away pick-up trucks, SUVs, and most other vehicles.

•  Water across a road may hide a missing segment of roadbed or a missing bridge. Roads weaken under floodwater and drivers 

should proceed cautiously after waters have receded since the road may collapse under the vehicle’s weight.

National Weather Service and Texas Division of Emergency Management officials say if your vehicle stalls in floodwater, get out 

quickly and move to higher ground. Better yet, when there’s water on the road, Turn Around Don’t Drown. Saving your life is as 

simple as choosing an alternate route.

For more information on Turn Around Don’t Drown, visit www.srh.weather.gov  or on Federal 

Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), visit www.flash.org.

Mailing Address:  National Weather Service 

Southern Region Headquarters 

819 Taylor Street 

Fort Worth, TX 76102

Source: The materials from Turn Around Don’t Drown were used with permission from the Southern Regional Headquarters, NOAA, per Larry 

Eblen ([e-mail]) and Walt Zaleski, ([e-mail]), Warning Coordination Meteorologist Program, Manager NWS, 

Southern Region Headquarters, Fort Worth, Texas.

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Chapter 9: Some Special Driving Situations 

Texas Driver Handbook

Share the Road with Trucks (Large trucks and truck-tractor combinations)

Whether you are sharing the road with a passenger car, motorcycle, truck, bus, or other vehicle, it is important to obey traffic laws, 

abide by the rules of the road, and drive defensively. Trucks are designed to carry products to and from towns and cities; they are 

designed to be as maneuverable as cars. Trucks have longer stopping and accelerating distances, a wider turning radius, and weigh 

more.

Passing

1.  When passing a truck, first check to your front and rear, check mirrors and blind spots, then move into the passing lane only if 

it is clear and you are in a legal passing zone. Let the truck driver know you are passing by flashing your headlights, especially 

at night. The truck driver should make it easier for you to pass by staying to the far side of the lane.

2.  On a level highway, it takes three to five seconds longer to pass a truck than a car. On an upgrade, a truck often loses speed so 

it’s easier to pass than a car. On a downgrade, the truck’s momentum causes the truck to go faster so you may need to increase 

your speed. Complete your pass as quickly as possible and don’t stay alongside the other vehicle.

3.  If the driver flashes the truck’s lights after you pass, it’s a signal that it is clear for you to pull back in front of the truck. Be sure 

to move back only when you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror. After you pass a truck, maintain your 

speed.

4.  When a truck passes you, help the truck driver by keeping to the far side of your lane. You’ll make it easier for the truck driver 

if you slightly reduce your speed. Don’t speed up while the truck is passing. After passing, the truck driver should signal to let 

you know he is returning to your lane.

5.  When you meet a truck coming from the opposite direction, keep as far to the side as possible to avoid a sideswipe crash and to 

reduce the wind turbulence between the two vehicles. Remember, turbulence pushes vehicles apart; it does not pull them together.

Following a Truck

1.  Tractor-trailers take longer to stop than a car traveling at the same speed. The average passenger car traveling at 55 mph can 

stop in approximately 240 feet, which is about three-fourths the length of a football field. A fully loaded tractor-trailer may take 

more than 400 feet to completely stop; well over the length of a football field.

2.  If you’re following a truck, stay out of its blind spot at the rear. The blind spot is the area behind the truck that the driver cannot 

see in his rearview mirrors. Avoid following too closely, and position your vehicle so the truck driver can see your vehicle in 

the truck’s side view mirror. An excellent rule of thumb for motorists sharing the road with a tractor-trailer is, “If you can’t see 

the truck driver in his side mirror, he can’t see you.” By avoiding the truck driver’s blind spot, you will have a good view of the 

road ahead, and the truck driver can give you plenty of warning for a stop or a turn. This will allow you more time to react and 

make a safe stop.

3.  When you follow a truck at night always dim your headlights. Bright lights from a vehicle behind will blind the truck driver 

when the lights reflect off the truck’s large side mirrors.

4.  If you are stopped behind a truck on an upgrade, leave space in case the truck drifts back when it starts to move. Also, keep to 

the left in your lane so the driver can see you’re stopped behind the truck.

Right Turns

Pay attention to turn signals. Trucks make wide, right turns and sometimes leave an open space to the right just before the turn. To 

avoid a crash, don’t pass a truck on the right if there is a possibility the truck might make a right turn.

Backing Crashes

Never cross behind a truck preparing to back up. When a truck driver is preparing to back the truck from a road into a loading area, 

the road is temporarily blocked. Wait for the truck to complete its maneuver before trying to pass. If you pass too closely behind the 

truck, a crash may occur because you are in the truck’s blind spot.

Maneuverability

On multi-lane highways, tractor-trailers stay in the center lane to help the flow of local traffic on and off the highway. Staying in 

the center lane also increases the truck driver’s options if he/she has to switch lanes to avoid a crash. Be aware of common mistakes 

drivers should avoid when driving around trucks and buses.

Cutting Off a Vehicle to Reach Your Exit or Turn

Never cut in front of a truck. Cutting into the open space in front of a truck or bus removes the driver’s cushion of safety. Trying 

to beat a truck to a single-lane construction zone represents a particularly dangerous situation. Either slow down and exit or stay 

behind the truck.

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