Tips for Driving Near Large Trucks Safely
Each year, more than 4,000 people die in accidents involving commercial trucks. These large trucks – big-rigs, semis, tractor-trailers – often get a bad rap for being too big and too aggressive on the road. But the fact is, truck accidents can just as easily be caused by the driver of another vehicle as they are by the truck driver.
The fact is, anyone who disobeys the law and fails to use good common sense while driving can contribute to, or cause, an accident. It is important that drivers of smaller vehicles understand the potential risks of driving near large trucks, and know how to drive safely on the same roadways. When we all take steps to be better drivers, Georgia roadways are safer for everyone.
Tips for Driving Near Large Trucks
Be the safest driver you can be by remembering these tips the next time you hit the interstate or one of Georgia’s major highways.
Avoid Blind Spots
One of the mistakes that drivers of smaller vehicles make is riding in a truck driver’s blind spots. That means, driving in areas where the truck driver cannot see you using mirrors or a simple glance. These most dangerous blind spots are:
- Just to the left of the driver’s side of the trailer
- Two-lanes wide to the right of the truck extending back behind the trailer
- Up to 30 feet behind the truck/trailer
- Up to 20 feet in front of the truck (especially in smaller vehicles)
Allow Adequate Time
Drivers need to realize that there is adequate time needed to complete an action like changing lanes, turning, or merging into traffic. It is important to allow adequate time for yourself and other drivers to respond to your action. For example, use your turn signal well in advance of changing lanes or merging in front of a truck. The truck driver needs time to respond and slow the truck or brake. Slowing and braking take much more time in a large truck.
Pass with Care
Similar to merging or lane changing, if you are attempting to pass (overtake) a large truck, remember that it takes much more time for them to slow down or stop. If you don’t allow enough time for them to see you and respond, you could find yourself sandwiched between the truck and whatever vehicle is in front of you.
Avoid Tailgating
While we generally recommend that you don’t tailgate any other vehicle on the road, it is especially important not to tailgate a large truck and/or trailer. If you become distracted or don’t realize the truck is stopping, you could hit it from behind, or be hit from behind yourself. Either case can lead to your vehicle being pushed underneath the trailer. This type of accident is often fatal, or at the very least causes catastrophic injuries.
Practice Patience
We all know it can be frustrating to get stuck behind a tractor-trailer that is going really slow or has their hazard lights on. It is important to recognize the situation and practice patience. Many commercial trucks have regulators on them that restrict vehicle speed. There are also regulations for what lanes truck drivers can operate in. Trying to force the situation or hurry the truck driver up is usually pointless, and only tends to put you in a bad mood and, possibly, in danger.
What to do if You are Involved in a Truck Accident
If you are involved in a truck accident, no matter whose fault you think it is, it is recommended that you contact a truck accident lawyer. A truck accident lawyer can help you explore your legal rights, determine fault, and determine if you have an actionable claim. If you do have an actionable claim, you may be entitled to compensation.
If you or someone you love is injured in a truck accident, call the truck accident lawyer in Atlanta that you can trust at Embry Law Truck Accidents. Get started with a free case consultation.
