Safely Share The Road With Semi-Trucks
We've all seen large semi-trucks. These massive machines weigh more than 10,000 pounds.
That means if you're involved in an accident with a truck driver, you are much more likely to suffer severe injuries.
In 2017 alone, there were 4,761 people killed in crashes with large semis. And 72% of those fatalities were the people in passenger cars.
So when you're sharing the road with semi-trucks, it is essential to know what to do to keep yourself safe.
It's easy to point the finger at semi-truck drivers, and they do share some of the responsibility for these accidents, but many motorists don't know how to share the road with these large trucks properly.
You can do many things to make traveling safer around semi-trucks so you and the truck driver can make it to your destinations safely.
In the article below, Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers discuss several ways to keep yourself safe on the road with semi-trucks.
Practice Defensive Driving
At this point, driving your car, truck, or motorcycle probably comes second nature to you.
But no matter how easy it is for you to drive, you have to be alert at all times, especially if you encounter a large semi-truck.
Because semis are bigger, it takes longer for them to react to the things around them and avoid collisions.
That's why you need to pay close attention to the flow of traffic, the vehicle signals around you, and the weather conditions so you can prepare yourself for potential problems on the road.
Pass Trucks Properly
Firstly, if a truck attempts to pass you, let it.
Stay to the right and reduce your speed, so it is easy for the truck to make it around you.
This will give the truck driver plenty of room to get around you and keep you out of its blind spot as much as possible.
Second, you never want to pass a truck that's backing up. There's a high likelihood of you entering their blind spots, and that's somewhere you never want to be.
Avoid Blind Spots
This deserves its own section. You never want to be in the blind spot of a semi-truck.
The right side of a semi-truck is the most dangerous place to be, so avoid it at all costs.
If you have to pass on the right, do it as fast as possible, use your signal lights, and ensure the trucker sees you as soon as possible.
Semi-Trucks Make Wide Right Turns
When a commercial truck needs to make a right turn, they need as much as 55 feet of turning radius to complete the turn safely.
Knowing this, you can anticipate them needing extra room to turn so you can avoid entering their space when possible.
If you're on the highway and the truck is getting off on an exit, make sure it has plenty of space in front of you.
The truck will have to get much slower than a passenger vehicle to maintain control through the off-ramp's curve.
Use Your Signal Lights
When you are around semi-trucks, use your turn signals earlier because they don't have the same reaction speed as a smaller vehicle.
This will help prevent a rear-end collision with a truck traveling behind you.
If you plan on merging into a lane with a semi-truck, give them more time to anticipate your maneuver by using your turn signal earlier.
Follow The Rules Of The Road
When you are driving at high speeds, your risk of being involved in an accident is heightened.
The faster you drive, the harder it is to react to your surroundings and control your vehicle.
Rushing through red lights, driving intoxicated, and driving distracted all increase your chances of being in an accident with a tractor-trailer.
When you drive, always follow the rules of the road. You want your actions to be predictable to the truck driver you are sharing the road with.
Want to know more about truck accidents? Check out the blog: Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
Contact The Brown Firm Today
If you're ever involved in an accident with a semi-truck, you need the help of a personal injury attorney.
Commercial vehicle accident claims are much more complicated than typical car accident claims, but The Brown Firm can help you with your case.
The Brown Firm will file your claim, work with your doctors, and handle the insurance company so you can focus on your physical recovery.
If you've been in a semi-truck accident, contact The Brown Firm Today to schedule your Free Consultation.