Why It Is Dangerous To Drive Behind A Truck Too Closely

October 15, 2025

Driving too closely behind a large truck might look harmless — but it’s one of the biggest causes of serious road accidents in Australia. Even skilled drivers are at risk when tailgating heavy commercial vehicles.
At Singh Truck Driving School, we teach our students to understand road dynamics, maintain safe following distances, and anticipate blind spots — ensuring every graduate drives safely and confidently.

⚠️ The Real Dangers of Tailgating Trucks

Following a truck too closely drastically reduces your visibility and reaction time. Trucks take much longer to stop than cars, and when you’re right behind them, you may not have enough time to react.

Rear-end collisions involving smaller vehicles and trucks often end in tragedy — the smaller car may slide underneath the truck’s trailer, causing severe or fatal injuries. That’s why you’ll often see warnings on trucks like “Keep Back 50 Metres” — and it’s not just a suggestion, it’s a life-saving safety rule.

🚚 Common Trucks You Encounter on Australian Roads

Every driver should recognize the various truck types to adjust their driving accordingly:

Cement and tanker trucks
Rigid and semi-trailer trucks
Livestock and grain transporters
Heavy-duty long-haul trucks

Each vehicle has unique blind spots and braking distances. Awareness is the first step to safe driving.

🧠 Smart Tips to Drive Safely Behind Trucks

Maintain a safe following distance: Keep at least 50–60 metres between your vehicle and the truck.
Avoid blind zones: If you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you.
Don’t tailgate slow-moving trucks: You can’t predict sudden stops or obstacles ahead.
Use clear signals: Indicate early before overtaking or changing lanes.
Stay visible: Turn on your headlights in low visibility to ensure the driver sees you.

🧑‍🏫 Learn Defensive Driving with Singh Truck Driving School

At Singh Truck Driving School, we go beyond basic driving lessons. Our certified instructors emphasize defensive driving — teaching students to recognize road hazards, respect vehicle limits, and handle trucks professionally.

We offer training for:

LR (Light Rigid) Licence – starting at AU$750
MR (Medium Rigid) Licence – starting at AU$800
HR (Heavy Rigid) Licence – starting at AU$800

With a 99.8% first-time pass rate, Singh Truck Driving School is recognized as one of the most trusted truck training providers in Sydney.

📞 Book Your Truck Licence Course Today

Join hundreds of successful drivers who started their careers with Singh Truck Driving School. Drive safe, drive smart, and build a successful trucking career with confidence.

📞 Call Today: 0433 266 831
🌐 Book Now: https://singhtruckdrivingschool.com.au/