When passing trucks or large vehicles, which side should you avoid?

When passing trucks or large vehicles, it is advisable to avoid the right side. This is primarily due to the large blind spots that these vehicles have, particularly on their right. A truck's driver may not see a smaller vehicle approaching from that side, increasing the risk of a collision if a vehicle attempts to overtake on the right. Additionally, large trucks often make right turns, requiring more space and creating potential hazards for vehicles attempting to pass on the right.

In contrast, passing on the left side is generally safer because it puts you in a position where you are more easily visible to the truck driver, allowing both you and the truck to better navigate the road without endangering each other. The front and back sides present their own set of hazards; passing too closely to the front can lead to issues with stopping distance, while lingering behind can result in being put in danger from rear-end collisions or sudden stops. Thus, the right side is the area to avoid for safer passing maneuvers around large vehicles.