The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) announced on May 21 that drivers should exercise extra caution when sharing the road with commercial motor vehicles such as trucks and buses. The agency said these larger vehicles have significant blind spots, less maneuverability, and longer stopping distances, which require all road users to be more aware and responsible.
The DDS highlighted the importance of safe driving practices around commercial vehicles to help prevent accidents that could result in property damage or injury. Commissioner Angelique B. McClendon said, “We are pleased to partner with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and others to reinforce the importance of sharing the road safely with commercial vehicles as well as other vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.”
The department offered several tips for safer interactions with large trucks and buses. Drivers are advised to avoid lingering in blind spots located on all sides of commercial vehicles. When passing a truck, it is recommended to do so quickly and cautiously on the left side only; passing on the right or staying beside a truck for too long can be dangerous due to sudden lane changes or wide turns. Additionally, motorists should not use high beams when behind or overtaking a truck at night because bright lights can temporarily impair a driver’s vision.
DDS reported ongoing efforts to improve access to commercial vehicle licenses by expanding testing locations through third-party testers. By early summer, all DDS locations will transition to a modernized testing procedure approved at the federal level. This program aims to ensure that applicants for commercial driver’s licenses are tested thoroughly on common safety hazards.
For more information about driver licensing—including digital license options—and testing procedures, residents can visit dds.georgia.gov. Additional resources about improving safety around commercial motor vehicles are available from FMCSA at https://fmcsa.dot.gov/.
