An accident with a semi-truck can be devastating. Their sheer size can cause not only significant vehicle damage, but the injuries to drivers and passengers are even more severe, if not fatal. While you cannot control the drivers of those semi-trucks, you can ensure you act safely around them to decrease the chances you will be in an accident.
How to Avoid Accidents with Semi-Trucks: 8 Essential Safety Tips
1. Give the Truck a Lot of Room – A semi-truck needs more room on the road than your average passenger car or light van or SUV. Never crowd a semi-truck and avoid tailgating.
Trucks are prone to tire blowouts and those tires could easily take out a vehicle if it is following too close. Also, trucks can kick up debris, which could crack your windshield.
2. Remember Trucks are Like Sails – Even though they are heavy, they are easily blown around (or blown over) by the wind. So avoid driving next to one as much as you can, especially in high winds.
3. Trucks Have More Blind Spots – Unlike your average vehicle, a semi-truck has large blind spots that prevent truck drivers from seeing vehicles next to them.
Learn where the danger zones are for these types of vehicles and avoid them as much as possible.
4. Pass with Respect – You should never cut off a semi-truck. If the driver is driving slower than your preferred speed, remember that they must drive slowly to stop their semi-truck on time.
Therefore, do not cut off a semi-truck driver out of anger; they may not be able to avoid hitting you.
5. Trucks Make Wide Turns – Semi-trucks make wide turns and there is no way for them to avoid that. Do not try to squeeze next to a truck that is turning because they won’t see you.
6. Trucks Have Speed Limiters – Most semi-trucks have speed limiting devices that prevent the drivers from using unsafe speeds. So, if a truck driver is going too slow, realize they may not have a choice.
7. Report Poor Behavior – Trucks have phone numbers on them for a reason. If you see a truck driver driving erratically, contact the police and report the truck number as well as the license plate. You can also call the toll-free number on the truck to report that driver to their employer.
8. Do Not Drive Aggressively – Do not be an aggressive or unsafe driver around trucks. You will lose the battle if a truck driver accidentally hits you. Instead, respect and share the road.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact the West Palm Beach Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one was seriously injured by a semi-truck, you need a skilled truck accident attorney. You are most likely eligible for a settlement, so call Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. right away for a free consultation regarding your case.
Also Read : Hit And Run? 5 Things You Must Do Immediately After