​How to Drive Defensively Around Semi Trucks on Texas Highways

 Posted on January 22, 2026 in Truck accidents

When you share the road with huge semi trucks, your safety depends on how well you understand their limits. Semi trucks, also called 18-wheelers or tractor-trailers, weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. That is about 20 times heavier than the average passenger car. 

Because of their size and weight, these vehicles need much more time and space to stop and turn. When drivers in smaller cars do not drive defensively around trucks, serious and sometimes deadly accidents can happen.

If you are injured in a truck accident in 2026, a Karnes City truck accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and what compensation you may be entitled to.

What Does It Mean to "Drive Defensively" Around Semi Trucks?

"Defensive driving" means staying aware of possible dangers and taking steps to avoid them before they happen.

Truck drivers sit much higher off the ground than you do in a regular car or truck, even a large one. This creates large blind spots where they cannot see smaller vehicles. These blind spots (sometimes called "no zones") exist on all four sides of the truck. 

The biggest blind spots are immediately behind the truck and along its right side. If you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirror, they cannot see you either. This is why it is so dangerous to stay close to a semi truck’s side for too long or follow too closely behind one.

Are Accidents With Semi Trucks More Dangerous for Passenger Vehicles?

Yes. The people in the smaller vehicle almost always get worse injuries. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), about 71 percent of people killed in large truck crashes in recent years were occupants of other vehicles, not the truck drivers. Very recently, someone was killed on I-10 because of a collision with a semi. 

How Can I Drive More Safely Around Semi Trucks on Texas Highways?

Give trucks a lot of space.

Stay back far enough that you can see both of the truck's side mirrors. This usually amounts to at least four to six car lengths. This space keeps you out of the truck's largest blind spot and gives you time to react if the truck brakes suddenly.

Pass carefully and quickly.

When you need to pass a semi, do it on the left side if possible. Signal early, accelerate smoothly, and do not stay beside the truck. Give the truck driver plenty of room before you change lanes or merge back. 

Never cut off a truck.

Because of their weight, semis need much more distance to stop than cars do. If you cut in front of a truck and then have to brake, the truck may not be able to stop in time. Leave extra space when merging in front of trucks or when a truck is signalling to change lanes. Per the Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 Part 390, commercial drivers must be professionally trained, but they still need other drivers to pay attention and cooperate.

Be patient.

Trucks need to swing wide for right turns. Sometimes they need to start from the left lane to complete a right turn safely. If you try to squeeze past a truck on the right during a turn, you could be crushed between the truck and the curb. Wait for the truck to complete its turn.

Avoid distractions.

Texting, eating, or adjusting your radio while driving near a large truck can have deadly consequences. Keep your full attention on the road when you are near commercial vehicles.

Can a Lawyer Help if I Am in an Accident With a Truck Driver?

If you have been seriously injured in a collision with a semi truck, you should have a lawyer help you. Truck accident cases are complex because they can involve the truck driver, the trucking company, insurance companies, and sometimes even the company that loaded the cargo.

Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages under Texas law. An attorney can review your case and explain how the law applies to your specific situation.

Call a Comal County Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you have been injured in a truck accident, call a Karnes City truck accident lawyer for help. At The Bettersworth Law Firm, our truck wreck lawyers have 25 years of legal experience handling complex commercial vehicle accidents. We keep our caseload low so we can devote our full attention to each case. 

You will have direct, regular contact with the attorney handling your case. We have recovered millions for our clients with our aggressive but compassionate approach. You will never be just a number with us. Contact The Bettersworth Law Firm at 830-606-0404 today for a free consultation.