In Oklahoma, where highways are filled with everything from cattle trailers to dump trucks, sharing the road with large vehicles is part of everyday life. But too often, we forget that behind the wheel of those trucks are real people — and that impatience or reckless driving around them can have serious consequences.
As a small, local company that spends a lot of time on the road, we’ve seen firsthand just how important it is to understand how these vehicles operate. This post isn’t just about safety — it’s about respect, awareness, and the reality of what it’s like driving a big rig through busy Oklahoma roads.
🚦 1. Trucks Can’t Stop Like Cars Can
This is the big one. Large trucks take much longer to stop than smaller vehicles. If you slam on your brakes in front of a loaded dump truck or semi, it might not be able to stop in time — no matter how experienced the driver is. The result could be catastrophic, especially at highway speeds.
So if you’re merging in front of a truck or passing one, give them plenty of space. Signal early. Be predictable. It’s not just courteous — it’s critical.
👀 2. Stay Out of Blind Spots
Trucks have large blind spots — especially directly behind and along the right side. If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they can’t see you either. Avoid lingering in these no-zones, and don’t assume a driver knows you’re there.
🛣️ 3. Don’t Cut Trucks Off (Even If You’re in a Hurry)
We get it — traffic can be frustrating. But swerving in front of a large truck to “beat” them to a turn or stoplight puts everyone at risk. It’s especially dangerous in wet or slick conditions when stopping distances increase even more.
And yes — we’ve seen this happen up close.
💬 A Personal Note from Stacey
I’ve ridden with Jack in the dump truck more times than I can count. We haul equipment, make deliveries, and travel to job sites all over central Oklahoma. What we’ve seen on the road? It sticks with you.
We’ve had people cut us off, slam on their brakes, and flip us off — not because we did anything wrong, but just for existing in a big truck on their road.
And here’s what makes it harder — both of our kids have been with Jack in the truck when it’s happened.
I don’t think the drivers saw the kids before they made those gestures. I’d like to believe they wouldn’t have done it if they had. But still — it happened.
We’re a small business. We’re local. The people behind the wheel of these trucks? They’re dads who bring their kids along to work. They’re moms doing pickups after school. They’re folks just trying to provide for their families. Please — let’s remember that.
🛑 4. Be Patient with Wide Turns
Trucks need extra room to turn, especially right turns. If you try to squeeze by on the right, you’re putting yourself in a dangerous spot. Instead, give them room. A few seconds of patience could save your life.
🎯 5. Communicate Clearly and Stay Focused
Use your turn signals. Avoid distractions like phones. Keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Truck drivers are doing their best to drive responsibly — and we owe them the same courtesy.
💛 Local Trucks, Local People
At Sprague’s Backhoe, we’re proud to serve Oklahoma communities with local storm shelter installations, septic system work, and more. That means we’re on the roads daily — and we share those roads with other hard-working local companies who drive big trucks, haul heavy equipment, and do the kind of work that keeps Oklahoma running.
So next time you see a big truck on the road, remember — there’s a person inside, doing their job, just like you. Give them a little space. A little grace. And a wave, if you’re feeling kind.
Because every driver has a story — and some of them have kids in the passenger seat.