Truck drivers operate some of the most unwieldy vehicles on the road. Their rigs take longer to maneuver and stop than most other vehicles, and if they miss seeing you as you’re driving alone, the consequences could be catastrophic.

The primary problem is there’s a higher than usual chance that they won’t spot you due to their truck’s massive blind spots. Here are some ways to make yourself more visible to them in different situations.

When pulling in front of them after overtaking

Truckers often flash drivers in to let them know it’s safe to pull in front. However, that flash could also mean “watch out” you’re too close or a raft of other things, so you should never rely on it. A general rule is to wait until you are at least 20 feet in front before signaling to move in.

When sitting behind a truck

A good rule of thumb is you need to be far enough back so that you can see the truck’s wing mirrors. If you can’t, then the driver definitely cannot see you.

When sitting to one side of an 18-wheeler

Trucks have extensive blind spots to each side, sometimes reaching across two lanes. These blind spots reach their peak alongside the cab. The best thing is to avoid sitting alongside a truck for very long.

Taking these steps increases the chance a trucker will see you, but these efforts cannot guarantee this outcome, as they might not be paying attention. If they crash their truck into your vehicle, you’ll want to act fast to find out more about your legal options by speaking with a legal professional.