Yeah, never stay in the blind spot of a tractor trailer ever. You either pass them or allow them to pass you.
On the back of many trailers, they have placard, “If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you”.
But slamming on your brakes like he said he did? Not generally a good idea.
A local high school student rode his bike up to the right side of a tractor trailer waiting at a traffic light. The boy made a right turn. So did the driver.
A ghost bike memorial now marks the spot where the boy was dragged to his death.
And if you pass them, do it like you mean it.