Tractor-trailer trucks are essential to the function of society. They transport valuable goods needed for everyday life. However, there is always a chance of a big rig striking a smaller car because the truck driver did not see it. Often, when this happens, the victims are left with serious, life-changing injuries.
You should be familiar with how to drive safely around trucks. Knowing the best practices for safe driving could literally save your life. Here, we will discuss some pointers to keep in mind while driving near trucks.
However, if you or your loved one has recently been injured in an accident with a truck, please know that our lawyers, who have experience with motor vehicle accidents, can help you. Trying to get fair compensation on your own can be very hard to do. Contact the personal injury lawyers at Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf, & Lathrop for a free consultation.
Why Caution Is Needed When Driving Around Trucks
It’s always good to practice safe driving to avoid car accidents in general. However, extra care is needed when driving around trucks. This is because a truck is 20-30 times heavier than a car and is taller. When an accident occurs, the car’s occupants usually suffer catastrophic or even fatal injuries.
Also, accidents involving trucks tend to involve multiple vehicles. Even if you are not driving right next to a large truck, care is still needed since a collision may also affect your vehicle.
There is an added reason for caution in our area in particular. According to one source, Nebraska and Iowa were ranked first and second in the nation for the most accidents involving trucks. This article will help you understand how to drive around large trucks to keep yourself safe when others will not.
Safety Tips When Driving Near Trucks
There are various safe driving practices that you should or should not do for accident prevention.
You can:
- Obey traffic rules: It goes without saying, but basic safety driving practices should always be prioritized in the presence of a large truck. This means you should always wear a seat belt, obey stop and yield signs, and always signal when turning. Additionally, you should not speed or drive aggressively, since big trucks have a much slower reaction time. They cannot stop immediately in case a situation arises, and if the truck driver slams on the brakes while the truck is moving at a high speed, it will most definitely lead to a jackknife accident.
- Avoid distracted driving: The most common type of distracted driving is using a phone. This is extremely dangerous in general, but especially when driving near trucks since your attention is diverted away from the road for a few seconds. In those few moments, you could weave into the path of a large truck. Other forms of distracted driving include engaging with passengers, eating or drinking, and applying makeup.
- Avoid driving under the influence: Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs impairs judgment. The driver’s reactions are also slowed. This can be extremely dangerous near trucks since the driver may fail to stop or swerve into the truck.
- Avoid drowsy driving: A driver who is fatigued or sleepy is just as dangerous as a drunk driver. In fact, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, on average, 328,000 accidents occur every year due to a drowsy driver. Sleep disorders and the side effects of some medications are the cause of drowsy driving, in addition to a lack of sleep.
- Avoid blind spots: Big trucks have large areas where the driver cannot see smaller cars on the road. These huge blind spots are in the front and back of the truck and on both sides. Avoid lingering in these areas while driving since the truck driver might not see you. If you cannot see the truck driver in his mirror, move to a safety zone.
- Look out for tire blowouts: Perhaps you have seen rubber pieces of tires on the road? What causes that to happen is known as a tire blowout. When big trucks carry heavy loads, the pressure on the tires can cause one to give out. When that happens, the worst place to be is alongside the truck. It’s always best to move past a truck since a blowout can also cause drivers to swerve into other lanes to avoid the hazard.
- Keep a safe distance: If you happen to be driving behind a big rig, don’t tailgate. Allow more space than if you were driving behind a car. In addition to being in the truck’s blind spot, if the driver stops suddenly, you will not be able to react quickly enough to avoid a crash. There is a good chance that your car could wind up under the truck.
- Be careful passing: If you decide to pass a large truck, always signal and pass on the driver’s side. Remember, the truck’s passenger side is a major blind spot for the driver. Also, accelerate so that you can move past the truck quickly, especially on curves where the truck may veer into the next lane. Finally, don’t pass a truck when going downhill since it will probably gain speed when descending.
- Avoid cutting it too close: After passing, don’t cut too closely in front of the truck. Large trucks cannot stop quickly, especially if they are carrying heavy cargo. Generally, it takes a loaded truck 20 to 40 percent farther to stop than a car. So make sure you have plenty of space before moving in front of the truck.
- Adjust for hazardous weather conditions: Wet, snowy, or icy roads are hazardous for cars traveling on the road. However, for big trucks, these slippery road conditions are especially dangerous. Hazardous road conditions can cause a truck driver to lose control and hydroplane into other vehicles. If you are driving in inclement weather, make sure to keep a considerable distance between your car and any large trucks.
- Be mindful of wide turns: Trucks usually will veer away from the curb when making a right turn. When they do this, it creates a wide space between the right lane and the curb. When you see the truck’s right turn signal on, always allow time for the truck to complete the turn. Avoid attempting to quickly turn in the space that was created by the truck since the driver may not see you.
- Watch your lights: If you are driving at night, remember to dim your high beams if a truck is approaching in the opposite direction. The bright lights may temporarily blind the truck driver, which may cause him to veer into your lane. Dim your lights also when following a truck since the truck’s mirrors can reflect your lights.
This list is just a few practical tips to help keep you safe while driving around large trucks. If you happen to experience an accident, your first step should be to talk to an experienced truck accident attorney.
If an Accident Occurs – Get the Assistance of a Personal Injury Lawyer
An accident may still occur, even if you have followed these tips when driving around trucks. This is because we simply cannot control the actions of other drivers on the road. For example, a truck driver may be driving drowsily or exceeding the speed limit. If this has recently happened to you or your loved one – don’t go it alone.
True, you are not required to seek the assistance of a lawyer in order to pursue compensation. However, there are several reasons why it would be wise to have such assistance. For example, trying to negotiate a fair settlement with an insurance company on your own can quickly become a nightmare.
Insurance adjusters are trained in using tactics to lessen the value or even dismiss your claim. In trucking accident cases, you would likely be dealing with multiple insurance companies.
Also, a thorough investigation would need to be performed after the accident to obtain vital evidence. Thereafter, the evidence would need to be analyzed to find who or what caused the crash.
Such an investigation could reveal other potentially liable parties. These could be the manufacturer of a faulty truck part or the loading company if the truck was not loaded properly.
Liability all depends on the specific circumstances of your accident and why it occurred. This means you may be entitled to receive compensation from multiple parties.
Hire Us to Protect Your Rights
Each potentially liable party will have its own team of skilled lawyers trying to dismiss the claim against their client. Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to them. You need a law firm with the knowledge and resources to go to bat for you and protect your interests.
Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf, & Lathrop are that firm. Our team of personal injury lawyers has more than 298 years of combined experience in handling all types of personal injury cases.
Our lawyers will fight for you while you focus on healing. Remember, the law firm you hire will have a direct impact on the results of your claim. Make the smart choice and choose Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf, & Lathrop. Call us today or contact us at any of our offices in Omaha, South Omaha, Bellevue, or Council Bluffs to schedule a free consultation.
-Driving Safely Around Trucks: Best Practices for Accident Prevention
I had the pleasure of working with Jeremy and his team. Beyond professional, very in tune with what was all going on for me after my accident. I could not recommend them enough for honestly any of the avenues of business they provide. Truly a kind and moral team to work with.