ALEXANDRIA, Vir. — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has launched a Web site instructing motorists on how to safely drive around tractor-trailers.

The Share the Road Web site is now online at www.atastr.org. The site aims to teach motorists about the large blind spots experienced by truck drivers as well as the additional following and stopping distances required by trucks. It’s being sponsored by Mack trucks and Chevron DELO.

"Improving highway safety is the most important mission that ATA can have. Share the Road has been a big part of our effort, and we believe that this new Web site will further spread our message and help save lives," said ATA president and CEO, Bill Graves.

The Share the Road safety program also includes a 24-city tour each year including TV, radio and newspaper coverage.

"Over the past decade, we have been very successful reaching out to people over the airways and in print media, but this new Web site lets us go the extra step in bringing this life-saving message to even more Americans," said Ellen Serrano, national field director for the program.

The ATA insists it’s important to educate motorists how to drive around big rigs, as about 75 per cent of truck-related fatalities are caused by car drivers. About 35 per cent of those fatal accidents occur in a truck’s blind spots, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The ATA says it will continue updating the Web site with fresh information and perspectives on safe driving around big rigs.