Safety Tips for Sharing the Road with Trucks
Semi-trucks are responsible for delivering goods all around the United States. By design, they are very large to fit as much stuff as possible. But their tall frame means that they have a higher possibility of rolling over and damaging other cars on the road. Heavy trucks are also slow to accelerate to the speed of other traffic on the road and take longer to brake. If a car is involved in an accident with a large truck going at a high rate of speed, the result can be devastating and fatal. It is always important to exercise caution when driving but especially around semi trucks. Take certain steps to avoid a dangerous situation with a large truck:
- View large trucks as potential dangers on the road and take extra steps to drive defensively;
- Avoid driving in the blind spots of commercial trucks. A good rule is that if you cannot see the truck’s side mirrors, then they cannot see your car;
- Always check if a truck is turning before trying to pass them on the road. The length of trucks causes them to take much wider turns and causes the back of the truck to take a sharper angle than the front;
- Do not cut off a truck since their massive weight necessitates a longer distance to stop than cars going the same speed;
- It is also important to increase the follow distance when traveling behind a semi truck, especially if the road conditions are wet or icy;
- The easiest way to protect yourself on the highway with big trucks is by wearing your seat belt.
Unfortunately there are cases when following these steps still results in an accident. A truck driver may be fatigued, stressed or pressured into making on time deliveries which can increase the likelihood of an accident. If you have been involved in an accident with a truck, then contact an experienced personal injury attorney in New Braunfels to see if someone else is financially responsible for your injuries.
