Large Vehicles

TRUE: Large vehicles have bigger blind spots than regular cars.

Large vehicles (trucks, buses) have significantly larger blind spots on all sides, especially on the left (passenger) side and directly behind the vehicle.

TRUE: When a large truck turns left, its rear wheels track closer to the inside of the turn than the front wheels.

This is called the "inner-wheel difference" (nairinsa).

TRUE: You should never position yourself between a turning large vehicle and the curb.

Due to the inner-wheel difference, large vehicles can trap cyclists, motorcycles, and pedestrians between the vehicle and the curb during turns.

TRUE: If you can see the truck driver in their side mirror, they can also see you.

A general rule: if you can see the truck driver's face in their mirror, they can likely see you.

TRUE: Large trucks need more stopping distance than regular cars at the same speed.

Due to their greater weight, large trucks require significantly more distance to stop than cars.

TRUE: You should always pass a large truck quickly to minimize the time you spend in its blind spot.

When passing a large truck, do it decisively and quickly to minimize time in the truck's blind spot.

TRUE: A large vehicle may swing right before making a left turn to accommodate its turning radius.

Large vehicles often need to swing wide (to the right) before making a left turn.

TRUE: When following a large truck, you should stay far enough back to see the road ahead.

Following too closely behind a large truck blocks your forward vision.

TRUE: Overtaking a large truck creates a wind turbulence effect that can push smaller vehicles.

When passing large trucks at speed, the air displacement creates turbulence that can push or pull smaller vehicles.

TRUE: When a bus signals to pull out from a bus stop, you must yield and allow it to merge.

In Japan, you MUST yield to a bus that is signaling to pull out from a bus stop.