When you are on the roadways—whether on vacation, commuting to work, or just running to the grocery store—you’re bound to encounter large trucks along the way. Perhaps you’re cruising along when an 18-wheeler suddenly pulls up beside you on the highway, or you spot two or three semis in the distance and know it will not be long before traffic feels a little too close for comfort.
In these situations, even the most confident driver worries about the potential for an accident. So, what can you do to stay safe?
Here are six basic tips to remember when sharing the road with large trucks.
Do This When You Are Around Large Trucks
-
Stay focused
We start here because avoiding large trucks is often challenging. Therefore, you must stay focused and avoid distractions. Avoid texting, talking on your phone, or fiddling with the radio stations, and limit distracting conversations with passengers in your vehicle. Instead, keep both eyes on the road and be ready to react if something happens.
-
Give plenty of space
Keep two or three car lengths between you and the nearest large truck when possible. After all, even the best truck drivers need more time and space to stop or maneuver to avoid collisions. They also may not see you quickly if you drive in their blind spot. Therefore, providing enough space reduces the chance of being caught in a dangerous situation.
-
Be aware of weather and road conditions
Rain, snow, ice, and fog reduce visibility and traction. Road construction makes maneuvering all vehicles, including large trucks, more challenging. The best way to avoid this common cause of large truck accidents is to avoid driving in bad weather. If you must drive in bad conditions, consider your surroundings, including construction signs, and slow down to increase your following distances.
-
Don’t speed or drive recklessly
No one wants to be stuck behind a large truck or become delayed by one. This can result in the desire to speed, make aggressive maneuvers like sudden lane changes, and even cut off trucks. If you want to pass a large truck, use your turn signals well in advance when changing lanes and leave plenty of distance between you and the rig.
-
Watch for wide turns
Large trucks often need significant breathing room and time to make wide turns safely. This is especially true at intersections and when they are carrying heavy loads. Therefore, please resist squeezing by when they are turning. Also, be extra cautious if you are near the front of a large truck at a stop light, as they may need to swing into your lane to make the turn.
-
Don’t tailgate
One of the more common reasons for large trucking accidents is improperly loaded cargo, leading to dangerous loads spilling onto the highway or the truck rolling over or blowing a tire due to the excess weight. While a scenario like this is definitely the truck driver’s fault and possibly the trucking company’s fault, you can help yourself by not tailgating. Following this tip could give you just enough time to get out of the way should something fall off the back of the large truck in front of you.
What If I Can’t Avoid an Accident With a Large Truck?
The first thing you should do after a trucking accident is seek medical attention. Once you can, it is critically important to file a claim and work with our team of attorneys at Keys Law Offices. We will work tirelessly to investigate your case, identify all responsible parties, and hold them accountable for your injuries and losses. We will also work with accident reconstruction specialists and other experts to build a strong case that supports your compensation claim.
The bottom line is that you deserve compassionate and knowledgeable legal advice, and we are here to help.
Call Keys Law Offices Today!!
Large truck accidents can occur for various reasons, including fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, inadequate training, and drug and alcohol use. Sometimes, the truck company can be liable for the accident if it fails to maintain or inspect the truck properly or violates federal or state regulations. At Keys Law Offices, we are dedicated to representing victims of truck accidents and their families, including those involving semi-trucks.
We understand the complex legal and regulatory issues involved in truck accident cases, and we know how to investigate and litigate these cases to ensure that our clients get the compensation they deserve. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
Our staff is always available. Call us today!