If you have never driven a 20+ foot truck, then getting behind the wheel of big moving truck may seem like a daunting proposition. You will feel like you are sitting 100 feet above the road, you likely won't have a rear view mirror, even the steering wheel seems to be bigger. You worry about changing lanes, driving on the interstate, and even backing up. Fortunately, when it all comes down to it, you don't actually drive much differently than you would in your own vehicle. Here are some quick tips for driving a big moving truck safely and effectively.

1. Relax
The very first thing that you need to do is relax. You may have pictures of slamming into all of those tiny cars around you, but that isn't going to happen. In fact, according to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, more than 70% of all fatal multi-vehicle crashing that involve large trucks are caused by the other vehicle. That means that if something would happen, it is probably going to be because someone else wasn't paying attention.

2. Speed
There are several simple things that you can do to make sure that you are always in control of your big moving truck. The first is to understand how to brake properly. Because of the additional size and weight, you will need to begin braking much sooner than you would in your car. Second, you also won't accelerate as quickly, so you may not want to spend as much time in the fast lane. You also need to keep in mind that it will be harder to maintain your speed when driving up and down inclines. Up an incline the truck will naturally slow down and on declines, you should stay off the gas and coast whenever possible.

3. Maneuvering
There are several tips to keep in mind when trying to maneuver your truck as well. The first is that you turns will be much wider than they are in your car. As a general rule, you should begin your turn once ½ of your truck has passed the edge of curb. Another tips is that when you are backing up, your trailer or cargo area will move the opposite way that you do, just like a small trailer does. If you have never backed up with a trailer before, try to make time to practice a few times in a parking lot to get a feel for it.

4. Remember You're a Big Truck
Most people get nervous or scared in traffic, especially when they are turning or changing lanes because they are worried that they will run someone off of the road. The key is to remember that you are in a big moving truck. Other drivers should be paying attention to what you are doing. This means they are likely to stay out of your way whenever possible. If you feel the need to drive a little slower, drive slower – a lot of people do. To make sure that you can always see others, make sure your mirrors are adjusted before you drive. You should be able to see the length of your truck and more. However, keep in mind that there is a small blind spot towards the cab so if you are changing lanes or turning check your mirrors early and often. This will prevent a car from sliding into your blind spot unseen.

Hopefully these simply big truck tips will make your next moving experience a little less stressful. There are a lot of other tips about how to drive a big moving truck, but if you keep these 4 in mind, you should not have any problems.

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