NAME WITHHELD BY REQUEST
Have you ever seen a convoy of military vehicles on your local interstate and wondered where they were going? Did you question whether you could cut into the formation to get into a faster lane? That was an issue I experienced when an impatient civilian motorist nearly caused a fatal accident during a convoy movement last year.
Our unit was heading to a joint training center to conduct annual training. The trip from home station was about a three-hour drive both ways. In tactical vehicles, however, it took about four hours due to their limited speeds and rest stops.
On this day, Spc. Smith and Sgt. Johnson (I’ve changed their names to protect their identities) were traveling in a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) A4 fuel truck when a civilian driver began cutting in and out of the convoy in an attempt to get ahead of slower-moving traffic. The third time the motorist cut in, Smith was forced to slam on the HEMTT’s brakes to avoid a collision, resulting in the vehicle swerving and overturning. Fortunately, there was no fuel in the HEMMT’s reserve tank, and the 20-plus-ton vehicle didn’t strike any other vehicles on the interstate. Thanks to their restraints, Smith and Johnson were able to walk away from the accident with only minor cuts and bruises.
When operating military vehicles on civilian roads, each driver in the convoy must give clearing space to the vehicles they are following. The driver and the vehicle commander must also pay close attention to all surrounding civilian vehicles. It’s equally important civilian motorists understand that they must stay out of a military vehicle formation. When cutting between these vehicles, civilian drivers are essentially taking away the military vehicle drivers’ safety clearance.
There are several other reasons why motorists should avoid cutting into a convoy formation. For example, like large commercial vehicles such as 18-wheelers and buses, Army vehicles have operating limitations. Large blind spots, long stopping distances and limited maneuverability make it essential that other motorists on the roadway put extra focus on safety. Fortunately, they can take simple actions to avoid experiencing or causing problems with larger vehicles by following the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s 10 Rules of the Road.
- Stay out of the blind spots. Large vehicles have huge blind spots around the front, back and sides. If you can’t see the driver in the vehicle’s side mirror, assume the driver can’t see you. Don’t drive in a blind spot; slow down or move ahead to stay visible. Be particularly careful when merging near larger vehicles. You may likely be in a blind spot.
- Pass safely. Make sure you can see the driver in the side mirror before passing. Signal clearly, then move into the left lane and accelerate so you can get past the vehicle safely and promptly. Don’t linger in the blind spot. Make sure the vehicle you just passed is visible in your rear-view mirror before you pull in front and give it extra space. Avoid passing on a downgrade where they tend to pick up speed, and never pass from the right lane. When a larger vehicle is passing you, stay to the right and slow down slightly. Giving the driver room to pass safely helps get you out of the blind spot quicker. Remember to give Army vehicles plenty of space to merge in front of you when coming off ramps or changing lanes.
- Don’t cut it close. Cutting in too close in front of another vehicle is always dangerous, but it’s especially dangerous to cut off a large Army vehicle. If you move in quickly from either side, you’re likely to be in a blind spot, so the driver may not see you in time. Even if you’re visible, the vehicle may not be able to slow quickly enough to avoid a crash because of the amount of time it takes to stop.
- Stay back. Tailgating an Army convoy presents added dangers. It puts you in a blind spot. Because trucks are so high off the ground, if you fail to stop in time (or get hit from behind) your vehicle could slide under the truck with devastating results. Getting too close when stopped is also dangerous — particularly on an upgrade, where the larger vehicle might roll back.
- Anticipate wide turns. Army vehicles require extra turning room; they swing wide or may even initiate a turn from a middle lane. If a vehicle has its turn signal on, never try to squeeze by it or get between the vehicle and the curb. When you stop at an intersection, never “block the box” or stop in front of the line, as large trucks require that space to complete turns safely.
- Be patient. Army vehicles have operating restrictions and often must drive below highway speeds. Honking, driving aggressively or weaving through traffic won’t make the trip faster, but it can cause dangerous distractions and crashes.
- Buckle up. Wearing your seat belt is one of the most important things that you and your passengers can do to save your lives. A seat belt may keep you in your seat and help you maintain control of your vehicle. The safest place for kids is in the backseat, buckled up or in a car seat. Be safe and always buckle up!
- Stay focused. Never attend to a text, a call, GPS or an app while driving. Distracted driving can be as dangerous as driving impaired. Even eating while driving or adjusting your radio can take your eyes off the road long enough for a crash to occur. Don’t underestimate the speed (or overestimate the distance) of a convoy, particularly when its vehicles are making turns, merging or changing lanes.
- Don’t drive fatigued. Take regular breaks, get another driver to relieve you or get off the road and find a safe place to rest.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol and other drugs impair both judgment and reaction time. There is no safe limit for drinking before driving. Many prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs cause dizziness or sleepiness and can slow reaction time. If your medication has a warning, take it seriously; have someone else drive or find another way to your destination.
In a fight between a large Army vehicle and a civilian car, truck or SUV, the winner will always be the same. Therefore, next time you see a convoy traveling along the interstate or your local highway, avoid getting into that lane. It’s every motorist’s responsibility to correctly share the roadway with these Army vehicles to prevent accidents.