Semi-trucks are big and dangerous, but they are also an essential part of our economy.
Every day, more than a million trucks take to the roads in our country to deliver the goods and materials that keep our society running.
Because our country's infrastructure is run on the road, these trucks have to share the road with millions of other cars.
So, you can't avoid driving next to a big, heavy truck on most trips, especially if you're on the interstate.
That means there is always a chance of getting into an accident with a semi - truck when you get in your car.
Drivers of passenger vehicles don't have to worry as much about getting into a severe accident with a semi-truck if they give them plenty of space and use the following safety tips to safely drive around large commercial trucks.
Table Of Contents
- What's So Different About Driving Around Large Commercial Trucks?
- Know Common Truck Blind Spots
- Pass Big Trucks Quickly
- Don't Tailgate Semi-Trucks
- Slow Down In Bad Weather
- Be Ready For Wide Right Turns
- Be Patient, And Don't Aggravate Truck Drivers
- Drive Defensively
- Dim Your Brights
- Always Use Your Turn Signal
- Contact Helping The Hurt If You've Been Involved In A Truck Accident
What's So Different About Driving Around Large Commercial Trucks?
Everyone needs to realize that drivers of large trucks often have less visibility than drivers of smaller vehicles.
This makes it harder to see other cars, people, and animals.
They also have fewer mirrors, which reduces their ability to react quickly.
Wind resistance makes steering more difficult for commercial truck drivers.
These factors lead to slower response times and an increased risk of fatal crashes.
Large trucks account for nearly one-third of fatal accidents involving passenger vehicles.
Pay Extra Attention When You're Near A Tractor Trailer
Semi-trucks should be treated like giant pieces of machinery and drivers must pay close attention to their surroundings.
Drivers should slow down and move over into the left lane when approaching a semi truck because it takes longer for them to stop than regular passenger cars.
This reduces the risk of getting hit by a semi-truck.
A truck driver can cause severe damage if they do not follow traffic laws.
Distracted drivers of passenger vehicles are dangerous, but distracted driving by truck drivers is deadly.
If you notice a semi-truck driving erratically, call 911 immediately.
If you've been in a commercial vehicle accident, contact a truck accident lawyer immediately.
Know Common Truck Blind Spots
Trucking accidents happen daily, and most of these involve the truck's blind spots.
First of all, many drivers don't realize they have blind spots.
They think their mirrors tell them everything they need to know.
But it doesn't always work out like that.
Make sure you know exactly where the blind spots are.
Tractor trailers have blind spots on all sides.
The blind spots around a tractor-trailer or semi-trailer are:
- Directly behind the trailer: at least 30 feet behind the truck
- Driver's side: Under the truck cab's side-view mirror across the width of the lane and the length of the trailer
- Passenger side: Under the truck cab's side-view mirror across the width of two lanes and 10 feet beyond the length of the trailer
- Ahead of cab: At least 20 feet directly in front of the truck on the passenger side
Pass Big Trucks Quickly
Drivers are often hesitant to pass a big rig because they fear it could cause them to crash into another vehicle.
Passing a truck requires patience and caution.
If you're approaching a truck, make sure to slow down and watch for traffic ahead.
You might even want to use cruise control while passing a truck to maintain a steady speed and a safe distance behind it.
When you approach a truck, look both ways and check for cars coming up behind you.
When you're traveling alongside a truck, be aware that the driver may not see you due to the blind spots we just learned about.
Keep your eyes open and try to spot anything unusual about the truck. For example, if the trailer is tilted forward, the driver will likely miss seeing you.
Be careful when pulling away from the truck.
Make sure there aren't any cars directly behind you or right in front of the truck.
Also, remember that the truck driver may not see you until you're close enough to hit him.
Don't Tailgate Semi-Trucks
Tailgating is risky in any situation.
When a semi-truck slams on his brakes, you want to have ample time to slam on yours to avoid a rear-end collision.
Large trucks can't stop as fast as cars or SUVs
If you are behind a big rig, you must give it adequate space, especially in heavy traffic.
Slow Down In Bad Weather
Think of how hard it is for you to control your vehicle in bad weather, and then amplify that by 100 to get an idea of how hard it is to control a semi-truck in lousy weather.
You should always drive slow in bad weather conditions, especially if you're around semis.
Slower speeds reduce the risk of skidding off roadways or into the back of a large commercial vehicle.
If you do encounter slick roads, use extreme caution and make sure your vehicle is well maintained.
Be Ready For Wide Right Turns
Trucks tend to turn much wider than passenger vehicles, so drivers need to give themselves plenty of room to make wide right turns.
Even a skilled and experienced driver may have difficulty making wide right turns.
When a big truck makes a wide turn, all passenger vehicle drivers around it need to be aware.
Drivers sometimes have to wait until the wide turn is done before moving forward.
Other times, a driver may need to move their car to the side or move forward to make room for a truck driver making a wide turn.
Be Patient, And Don't Aggravate Truck Drivers
Just in case you need to be told, don't brake check semis, and don't cut off a truck at an intersection so that you don't get stuck behind them at a red light.
Don't do anything that could irritate the driver or put anyone in an unsafe condition.
Leave trucks lots of room, and don't be an unpredictable driver.
Drive Defensively
Many commercial vehicle accidents can be avoided if all drivers drive defensively.
Drivers need to be alert and pay attention when around large trucks.
Drivers must maintain plenty of distance from the truck to avoid being hit by it.
When driving next to large trucks, you should keep a safe distance away and watch for sudden braking or swerves.
Be aware of your surroundings and try not to let anything catch you by surprise.
Dim Your Brights
Turn off your brights when you're driving near or past a semi-truck.
Lowering your brights helps prevent truck drivers from being temporarily blinded.
Bright lights reflecting off the truck's side or rearview mirrors can blind the driver, making it difficult to maneuver the large vehicle safely and setting the stage for a semi-truck accident.
Always Use Your Turn Signal
If you don't use your turn signals, you could end up being involved in a serious accident and suffer severe injuries.
Many accidents are caused by drivers who fail to signal correctly.
The worst thing you can do is take a truck driver by surprise.
Use your turn signal when turning left or right and always signal when entering highways.
Drivers behind you and around you should know exactly where you are going.
Contact Helping The Hurt If You've Been Involved In A Truck Accident
Sometimes accidents are unavoidable even if you do everything right.
Victims of truck accidents need legal representation from an experienced personal injury attorney.
Only an experienced truck accident attorney knows how to find, collect, interpret, and present the evidence you must have to prove your case.
You also need an attorney knowledgeable about state laws and regulations governing the trucking industry.
Personal injury cases that involve semi trucks are significantly more complex than motor vehicle collisions.
There are also differences compared to regular motor vehicle accidents and other laws when dealing with commercial trucks.
We have a team of highly experienced attorneys who can handle your truck accident injury claim.
If you have fallen victim to a commercial truck accident due to someone else's negligent driving, do not hesitate to call our truck accident injury attorneys for a free case review.
