Alberta RCMP gives reminders for sharing roadways with commercial vehicles

June 15, 2026 - Edmonton, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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As traffic increases over the summer months, the Alberta RCMP would like to remind commercial and passenger-vehicle motorists how to share our provincial roads responsibly. Sharing roadways with, or operating, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, busses, or other commercial vehicles, requires extra caution, especially during summer months when traffic increases. 

Help avoid a collision involving a commercial vehicle by following the below tips: 

Commercial vehicle drivers: 

• Always complete trip inspections to ensure your vehicle is in proper operating condition.
• Always carry the required inspection certificates.
• Stay alert while driving and pull over when tired.
• Pre-plan your trip and help ensure your safety by staying updated on road, traffic, construction, and weather conditions.
• Maintain a safe following distance with other vehicles.
• Be aware of blind spots and make wide turns safely.
• If you are hauling or transporting cargo, ensure that it is properly secured.

Passenger vehicle drivers: 

• Stay far enough behind big trucks to see both of its side mirrors. If you can’t see the truck driver, they can’t see you. 
• Increase your following distance behind larger vehicles to see oncoming traffic. 
• Oncoming commercial vehicles can create strong wind gusts, large splashes in wet conditions, or sprays of rocks and debris. Practice defensive driving and brace when they are passing. 
• Leave extra space when passing or changing lanes in front of a commercial vehicle as they require more time to slow down or come to a stop. 
• Stay back when large vehicles are indicating right or left, as they require a wide turning radius. 

“A variety of vehicles share our roadways every day, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to keep each other safe,” says Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic. “Commercial vehicles need more time and space to operate safely due to their size and weight. Help avoid a collision with one of these vehicles by practicing extra caution around them and by giving them extra space.” 

For more traffic safety information, please follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and X @RCMPAlberta.

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