Major truck accidents are pretty common in the United States, making them a serious problem. Huge collisions and accidents can cause severely affect the victim’s life and cost the economy billions of dollars annually. Unfortunately, drivers will find it more challenging to avoid truck accidents. It can be challenging. That’s because these trucks are also an essential part of the economy.
Hence, you can find numerous trucks on the road. Educate yourself on how to safely drive or pass by a large vehicle. Nearly all car collisions have tragic outcomes, but colliding with tractor-trailers is more likely fatal than accidents that involve a passenger vehicle. You’re responsible for keeping other drivers safe on the road.
Here are some driving tips that you can follow to avoid huge collisions and other types of road mishaps:
Don’t Stay In Another Driver’s Blind Spots
Driving huge trucks means having large blind spots. You should steer clear of the truck’s blind spots as promptly as possible when passing. One of the blind spots to avoid is the truck’s passenger side. That’s because the passenger side’s blind spot is bigger than the one on the driver’s side. You should remember to always stay on the driver’s side.
Because trucks are large cars, you can easily get lost within these spots when switching lanes or passing. If another car merges into yours or switches lanes, it might cause a major accident. Maintain the proper distance if you want to lessen the risk of colliding with the truck. It’ll also allow other drivers to respond promptly before a collision.
Turn, Pass, or Switch Lanes With Caution
Be cautious when switching lanes or passing a truck. Not following the previous tip will not allow other drivers to react properly, eventually leading to an accident. Leave plenty of distance into the truck’s lane, always pass on the driver’s side, and don’t pass while going down or up the hills. It’s also best to drive predictably, meaning you should slow down if you’re about to go behind a truck.
It also means avoiding unnecessary actions while on the road. That’s because switching lanes recklessly can lead to a collision if you’re driving too close. You also have to follow the same tip when approaching the truck from behind. Drive on one lane and stick with it. It’ll make it easier for truck drivers to predict where they can safely pass without running and colliding into your car.
Be Careful When Driving in Poor Weather
Fog, wind, ice, and snow are dangerous for nearly all drivers, especially large trucks and trailers. Truck companies train their drivers to be cautious if their visibility is low, making it necessary to rest when the weather is terrible. By design, trucks are more difficult to control and handle than lighter, smaller cars.
That makes it more challenging to travel in poor weather. If you need to go out during a rainy or snowy day, pay more attention to the road, especially when you’re driving near large vehicles. Bear in mind that trucks require more space and time to stop. Maintain the proper distance. Trucks that also hit high winds or icy patches can tip over and spin out. You don’t want to get involved in an accident if that happens.
Teach Yourself to Be Patient and Careful
Most drivers of passenger vehicles get angry with commercial drivers. You should avoid aggressive driving and road rage since they won’t help with anything. Be patient. Large trucks have trackers that stop them from going over the speed limit. Truck drivers aren’t there to frustrate you. Most of them also want to reach their destinations safely.
Merge Onto the Highway With Caution
Merging into a busy highway is difficult if it’s full of commercial trucks and traffic isn’t moving. It’s tempting to violate the law and squeeze in between other cars; however, doing that will cause disastrous accidents. Trucks moving slowly in heavy traffic can still cause accidents if you merge with them recklessly. Try to leave enough space. Or, wait to merge until there’s enough space.
What Must I Do if a Truck Hits Me?
If possible, take note of the driver’s name and contact information. It’ll also help to list down the names of other passengers or witnesses. Even if the collision is minor, you should still call law enforcement authorities so you can file a police report. Your injuries or other symptoms might slowly manifest at a later time, but make sure to get treated immediately. Lastly, meet with a reputable semi-truck accident lawyer to discuss your case.
Despite following these tips, a negligent truck driver can still cause major accidents. If you get involved in a road collision or accident, it’s best to contact a professional lawyer immediately to ensure that law enforcement authorities will not violate your rights.