A message to “Leave Room for Trucks” has been issued in a new brochure from the N.C. Highway Patrol and the federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

The message comes with a warning that speeders, tailgaters and aggressive drivers will be ticketed.

“Big trucks need big space to maneuver and stop in emergencies,” the message said. “Leaving more space for trucks will not only help save lives and reduce injuries, it could save you from getting a ticket.

The goal is to reduce collisions involving big trucks and other vehicles.

Troopers have been asked to crack down on motorists driving aggressively around big trucks as well as aggressive truck drivers.

Being an aggressive driver includes speeding, running red lights and stop signs, pulling in front of trucks too quickly, and making frequent lane changes in the blind spots of trucks.

The message said large trucks have blind spots around the front, back and sides of the truck that make it difficult for the driver to see cars around them.

“If you can’t see the driver’s face in the side mirror of the truck, the driver can’t see you,” it said. “If that driver needs to swerve or change lanes, you’re in trouble.”

The rear blind spot of a truck extends 200 feet behind the truck. That is two-thirds of a football field.

Trucks need nearly twice the time and room to stop as cars.

After passing a truck, a driver should look for the whole front of the truck in the rear-view mirror before pulling in front, and then maintain a safe speed.

“Protect yourself and your passengers by learning how to share the road safely with large vehicles,” is the emphasis of the new brochure.