Buffer Blunders: Truckers Name and Shame Chicago Drivers as the Worst in Illinois (Poll).

• Survey of 3,015 truckers on the worst drivers in Illinois + nationally.
• Chicago drivers were followed by those from Aurora, Joliet, Naperville + Rockford.
• Infographic ranking the worst drivers across America.

Sharing the road with trucks isn’t just about courtesy – it’s about safety. A fully loaded rig can tip the scales at 80,000 pounds and needs far more stopping distance than a car. Add in massive blind spots and the sway from wind or uneven roads, and quick reactions aren’t an option. When other drivers cut too close, they erase that vital margin for error. Keeping a safe buffer gives truckers the space to brake and maneuver, preventing accidents and keeping traffic moving for everyone.

American River Wellness, experts in return to duty support, surveyed 3,015 truckers to uncover where drivers fall short across the country. Respondents weighed in on behaviors like tailgating in blind spots, last-second cut-ins, and failing to leave enough space for trucks. The 5 worst Illinois offending cities emerged as follows (with national rankings):

#1. Chicago (#16)
Truckers said Chicago drivers are notorious for weaving through packed interstates and cutting in dangerously close. They complained about tailgating in blind spots and sudden braking in front of rigs, especially during rush hour. With endless congestion and aggressive habits, Chicago was described as one of the most challenging cities in the Midwest for truckers.

#2. Aurora (#131)
In Aurora, truckers pointed to impatient merging and constant lane-hopping as their biggest frustrations. They said locals often dart into small gaps at freeway ramps and misjudge how much space semis need to stop. With suburban congestion always heavy, Aurora was highlighted as a city where trucks are rarely given room to maneuver safely.

#3. Joliet (#135)
Truckers criticized Joliet for reckless weaving and drivers who treat semis like obstacles to pass at all costs. They said motorists often cut in sharply before exits or linger in blind spots without realizing the risk. With freight traffic already thick around the area, Joliet was described as a place where truckers face constant challenges on the road.

#4. Naperville (#141)
In Naperville, truckers said drivers are quick to zip past semis and then slow down in crowded conditions. They complained about sudden braking and cars sliding into tight spaces during rush hour. With busy commuter routes and suburban traffic, Naperville was flagged as a city where patience around big rigs is rarely seen.

#5. Rockford (#158)
Truckers pointed to Rockford as another Illinois city where aggressive driving makes their job harder. They said locals frequently tailgate semis in blind spots or cut across lanes without signaling. With commuter and through-traffic always heavy, Rockford was described as a place where truckers rarely get the safe buffer they need.

Infographic ranking the worst drivers across America, as voted by truckers

American River Wellness decided to dig deeper into the daily experiences truckers face on the road – and the answers paint a vivid picture of both frustrations and small moments of relief.

When asked about the maneuvers that wind them up most, more than a third (36%) pointed to last-second cut-ins. Another 28% said the classic move of speeding past only to slow down drives them crazy, while 21% complained about motorists lurking in their blind spots. By comparison, refusing to merge early came in much lower at 15% – still annoying, but less of a daily hazard.

Not everything is negative, though. Truckers were quick to note the gestures that genuinely help:

• 27% singled out drivers who stay out of blind spots.
• 26% said leaving extra space in front makes a huge difference.

Others praised simple courtesies like flashing headlights to signal a safe merge (25%) or moving over on ramps and shoulders (21%).

Distractions behind the wheel, however, remain a particular point of concern. A striking 70% of truckers said texting and phone use is the single biggest danger when cars are nearby – dwarfing concerns like eating/drinking (8%), GPS fiddling (9%), or even reaching into the back seat (13%).

For many drivers, dangerous cut-ins aren’t occasional – they’re routine. Over a quarter (27%) said it happens multiple times a day, and another 35% said it’s a weekly occurrence. Only 3% said they never deal with it.

And when it comes to which motorists are the worst offenders? Opinions were clear: motorcyclists topped the list at 30%, followed closely by sports car drivers (25%). Sedans, delivery vans, SUVs, and even ride-shares all earned their share of blame, but truckers said the common thread is speed, impatience, and a lack of awareness of just how much space a rig really needs.

“Truckers are trained to expect the unexpected, but they can’t bend the laws of physics,” says Graham Sargent of American River Wellness. “When motorists crowd a semi, they’re not just making life harder for drivers – they’re putting everyone on the road at risk.”