Depending on how long you’ve been driving, you’ve probably grown accustomed to hitting the road in rather arduous situations. Whether you’re navigating traffic in an urban area or have gotten caught in torrential rain, then you know what it’s like to make the switch from a relaxed driving style to having to be extra alert of possible dangers.
Indeed, anyone who has driven through a few Canadian winters knows a lot about defensive and careful driving. Occasionally though, drivers need to be extra cautious not from a severe weather incident or from traffic congestion, but from suddenly sharing the road with a vehicle you may not be accustomed to sharing the road with. If there is any vehicle that may cause you to feel this way, it would have to be an over-dimensional transport in Quebec.
What constitutes over-dimensional?
You may not be familiar with what an over-dimensional transport in Quebec is. Basically, there are many different classifications of transport vehicles. This includes everything from your basic semi-trucks to slightly more specialized vehicles, such as something carrying hazardous waste. One such classification is over-dimensional. Although a broad category in terms of what might get carried, it essentially includes anything within a certain size constraint.
Many over-dimensional items are shipped all over the world, but one of the most common you may see in your neck of the woods is large construction equipment. Think of all that enormous equipment you might see at a construction site—it shouldn’t come as a surprise to think that all of that had to get there somehow, most of it on the back of a truck, and in those cases, it often is considered over-dimensional.
Adhering to the rules of the road
Well, as one might expect, drivers have to be specially qualified to drive over-dimensional transports in Quebec and they must follow certain rules while driving. This is obviously meant to create a safe environment for the driver, other drivers on the road, and to protect the freight itself.
While the driver may do everything possible to obey their end of the bargain, unfortunately many other drivers become nervous around over-dimensional trucks or just don’t know the proper way to drive around such a large transport. For your safety, and everyone else’s safety on the road, it’s good to prepare for the possibility of sharing the road with an over-dimensional transport.
Knowing what to do in this situation isn’t particularly difficult. The way to stay safest is to apply normal rules of the road, yet only in a slightly exaggerated manner. Definitely don’t follow too closely. Over-dimensioned transports need plenty of space: the more you give them the better. Keep good awareness over your distance to them, both behind and in front, to maximize space. Also remember, the over-dimensional freight probably has right of way, so let them pass to avoid any possible confusion. If you keep safe distance and allow the truck to pass unheeded, then you are maximizing safety on the roads. Hopefully this short guide will serve you well next time you find yourself sharing the road with an over-dimensioned transport.