Sharing the road with semi-trucks is almost always more dangerous than with other passenger vehicles. These massive vehicles are usually 20-30 times larger than normal vehicles. This weight and size difference can lead to major collisions and catastrophic injuries for any parties involved.
To reduce the risk of truck accidents, those in normal vehicles are encouraged to take extra precautions when it comes to sharing the road with a big truck.
Keep Your Distance
Because semi-trucks weigh many times more than other vehicles, they take longer to come to a complete stop. Leave enough room in between your car and the truck in order to give yourself enough time to make any necessary, last-minute adjustments.
Avoid Blind Spots
The massive size of most semi-trucks means that truck drivers have larger blind spots than normal vehicles. To make sure that the truck driver can see you behind them, you should try to place your car in a position where you can see the driver of the truck in their side-view mirror. This means that the driver has the ability to see you, too.
Pass Quickly
It is crucial to always give a truck enough room when you enter a lane in front of them. Trucks need twice the distance of passenger vehicles to come to a complete stop. If you have to stop quickly, they need additional room. Try to spend as little time as possible next to a semi. If it’s safe, slightly increase your speed so you are in front of the truck.
Drive Defensively
Operating a vehicle is something that may be second nature to you. You may be very comfortable on the road and feel like you know exactly what to do. However, it’s extremely important that you don’t let your guard down while you’re behind the wheel. Road conditions can change in the blink of an eye, especially when you’re driving next to a semi-truck. Always be on guard and pay close attention to other vehicles and the flow of traffic.
Unfortunately, even the most defensive drivers can still be involved in trucking accidents due to factors beyond their control. In many cases, these collisions can cause life-changing injuries to the passengers in the smaller vehicle. These cases can quickly become complicated due to the potential for multiple responsible parties and insurance companies involved. You need someone on your side who will fight for your financial recovery.
If you have been involved in an accident with a semi-truck, contact Briggle & Polan at (512) 400-3278 to schedule a free case evaluation.
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