6 Tips On Safe Driving Around Commercial Trucks
Commercial trucks are large, powerful vehicles that have operating limitations that put others on the road in danger, including large blind spots, long stopping distances and difficulty making quick maneuvers in a crisis. These limitations make it extremely important for others on the road to take steps to minimize the risk of a truck crash.
If you were injured in a truck accident, contact our Cincinnati truck accident lawyers today for a free legal consultation. We may be able to pursue compensation for the damages you have suffered.
1. Stay Out Of Blind Spots
Commercial trucks have
large blind spots around the front, back and sides, particularly near the side of the truck. If you are unable to see the truck’s side mirror, the driver most likely cannot see you. If you are approaching a commercial truck, speed up or slow down to stay out of the blind spot. Use more caution when merging because you may be more likely to be in a blind spot.
2. Give Trucks Space
Give trucks more space than you might ordinarily give a passenger vehicle. Trucks are larger and heavier, so if they brake, they may not come to a complete stop in enough time to avoid a hazard. You do not want to be next to or in front of them if this happens.
You also want to avoid being too close to a truck because these vehicles often have tire blowouts. Blowouts can send large shards of heavy rubber flying toward any vehicles that are nearby.
When you are turning, try to avoid using an inner turn lane next to a truck. This could increase your risk of an accident because trucks often require up to 55 feet to execute a turn. You should be particularly cautious during right turns. Do not try to quickly squeeze in the space between the truck and the curb before the vehicle makes a turn. You also need to avoid stopping beyond the white line at an intersection because trucks need this extra space to safely execute a turn.
3. Pass Safely
If you have to pass a commercial vehicle, pass as quickly as possible on the left-hand side. Move your vehicle as near to the outside portion of the lane as possible. Avoid passing on the right-hand side because it is full of blind spots.
Before attempting to pass the truck driver, make sure you can see him or her in the mirror. Use your turn signal to indicate your intention. Before pulling into the lane, make sure the truck is visible in your rearview mirror.
When a bus is in the process of passing you, stay in the right-hand lane and slow down. Give the driver some extra space to ensure that you do not wind up in his or her blind spot.
4. Do Not Cut Off A Truck Driver
Cutting off drivers is always dangerous. However, cutting off a truck driver can be fatal. If you swipe in front of a truck driver, he or she may not see you, increasing your risk of being rear-ended. Even if the driver can see you, he or she may not have enough time to stop to avoid colliding with you.
5. Do Not Tailgate
Do not tailgate a commercial truck because it will likely put you in a blind spot. If the truck stops suddenly you might not be able to avoid rear-ending it. This is extremely dangerous because your car could slide under the rear portion of truck, putting you at risk for life-threatening
truck accident injuries. Tailgating is particularly dangerous on an incline because the truck could roll back into your vehicle.
6. Avoid Distractions
Today’s world is busy, and many people try to multitask to more effectively manage their time. However, driving while talking on the phone, texting, preparing a GPS, eating, reading or performing other tasks that take your hands off the wheel or your mind off the road can be dangerous, especially when near truck drivers. Minimize the possibility of being injured in an accident by tending to these tasks before getting on the road. You need to stay focused on driving, particularly around trucks, if you want to avoid an accident.
Despite the safe driving practices that you may use, a negligent truck driver may still cause an accident. If the truck driver or trucking company is responsible for your injuries, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other damages you sustained.
The reputable
Cincinnati personal injury attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can represent you in a personal injury claim against the negligent parties who may have contributed to your accident. We offer a free, no-obligation review of your case to determine your legal options. We charge no upfront fees and you owe us nothing for our services unless we successfully recover compensation in your claim.
