How can truck accidents be prevented?
Due to their size, commercial trucks can be dangerous and accidents involving large trucks are often devastating. While it is important that trucking companies ensure that their truck drivers are properly trained, trucks are maintained, and their drivers continue to drive safely, private motorists can do their part to help prevent truck accidents.
To prevent truck accidents, drivers should follow the following steps:
- Give the truck plenty of space
Driving behind a truck decreases your visibility. When driving behind a truck, leave at least a four second buffer zone to allow for any stops you may need to make quickly. When passing in front of a truck, keep a greater passing distance because trucks take longer to stop.
- Avoid blind spots
Trucks have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. The worst blind spots are on the passenger side of the truck, so all passing should be done on the driver’s side. You should also avoid:
- The lane on the driver’s side going back to half the trucks length
- 20 feet in front of the truck
- 30 feet behind the truck
If you cannot see the driver’s face in his or her side mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
- Use caution when passing
Trucks cannot stop or maneuver as quickly as a car. Do not pass a truck while going up- or downhill, slow down if a truck is attempting to pass you to allow it to pass completely and pass only on the left side of the truck using proper signals.
- Avoid distractions
Distracted driving is dangerous for everyone. Put the phone or other electronics down, stop to eat or drink, and don’t fuss with the radio. Anything that takes your concentration and eyes from the road puts all other drivers at risk.
- Lower your high beams
Bright headlights can reflect off truck mirrors and make it difficult for the truck driver to see. When driving around large trucks, lower your high beams.
- Anticipate turns
When commercial trucks turn, they swing wider or need to use multiple lanes to complete their turns. If a truck is turning, remain patient and keep a buffer zone behind them. If you are at an intersection on the opposite side of a truck and they are turning in front of you, you may need to back-up to allow the truck to safely make the turn. Remember, a little patience will go a long way for everyone.
Even when you do take the above precautions, accidents can still occur. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, we at 844 See Mike are here for you every step of the way to ensure that your rights are protected, and you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses.
We at 844 See Mike are proud to serve our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, especially when you or a loved one has been injured in a large truck accident, and we are fully committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that the other party is held legally accountable when negligence occurs. We will fight until the very end to ensure that you are fully compensated for all injuries and losses resulting from the accident, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and you won’t owe us a dime for our services.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people and not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, and your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
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