Commercial trucks play a vital role in transporting goods across the country, but their sheer size and weight make them formidable vehicles on the road. Unfortunately, accidents involving commercial trucks can have devastating consequences due to their potential to cause severe injuries and fatalities. As a motorist, it’s essential to be proactive in safeguarding yourself and your loved ones against the risks posed by commercial truck accidents. In this blog post, we’ll explore essential tips for protecting yourself on the road and minimizing the likelihood of accidents involving commercial trucks.
Why Should This Be A Concern?
Commercial trucks are an integral part of the transportation industry in the USA. They carry goods and materials across the country, contributing to the economy and society. However, commercial trucks also pose a significant risk to other road users, especially smaller vehicles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 4,119 fatalities and 95,000 injuries in crashes involving large trucks in 2019. Moreover, most of these casualties were occupants of passenger vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.
Tips For Safeguarding Against Commercial Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents can be devastating and life-changing for the victims and their families. They can cause severe injuries, disabilities, property damage, emotional trauma, and financial losses. Therefore, it is crucial to take preventive measures to avoid or minimize the chances of getting involved in a commercial truck accident.
In this article, we will share some essential tips for road safety that can help you safeguard yourself and your loved ones from commercial truck accidents.
1. Understand Blind Spots
Commercial trucks have significant blind spots, also known as “no-zones,” where the truck driver’s visibility is limited or non-existent. These blind spots typically extend directly behind the cab, along the sides of the truck, and in front of the vehicle. As a rule of thumb, the drivers will not be able to see you if you are unable to see the truck driver’s face in their side mirrors. Avoid lingering in these blind spots and give trucks plenty of space to maneuver safely.
2. Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial when sharing the road with commercial trucks. Trucks require more time and distance to come to a complete stop due to their size and weight. As a general guideline, maintain a following distance of at least four seconds behind a truck, allowing ample time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions. Avoid tailgating or cutting off trucks, as this can increase the risk of rear-end collisions and underride accidents.
3. Exercise Caution When Passing
Another essential tip for road safety is to be alert and attentive when driving near or around commercial trucks. Commercial trucks can make unpredictable or sudden movements due to various factors, such as weather, road conditions, traffic, mechanical issues, or driver fatigue.
Therefore, you should always be prepared for any possible scenarios and avoid any distractions that can take your eyes, hands, or mind off the road. Some common distractions that you should avoid are texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, or looking at the GPS.
You should also pay attention to the signals and signs of a commercial truck, such as brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, or placards. These can indicate the truck driver’s intentions, such as slowing down, stopping, turning, or changing lanes.
You should also watch out for any signs of trouble, such as smoke, sparks, tire blowouts, or debris. If you notice any of these signs, you should slow down, move away, or pull over to a safe place as soon as possible.
4. Be Mindful of Turning Trucks
Commercial trucks have wide turning radii, which means they require extra space to make turns safely. Be mindful of trucks signaling for a turn and give them ample room to maneuver. Avoid passing trucks on the right side when they’re preparing to make a right turn, as this can put you in the truck’s blind spot and increase the risk of a collision. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and give trucks the right of way when turning.
5. Anticipate Lane Changes
Commercial truck drivers often need to change lanes to navigate traffic or prepare for upcoming exits. Be vigilant and anticipate lane changes by monitoring the truck’s turn signals and observing any signs of lane drifting or swaying. Avoid driving in the truck’s blind spots, especially when they signal an intention to change lanes. If you notice a truck merging into your lane, adjust your speed or position to create a safe buffer zone between your vehicle and the truck.
6. Report Unsafe Driving Behavior
If you observe unsafe or reckless driving behavior by a commercial truck driver, don’t hesitate to report it to the appropriate authorities. Note the truck’s license plate number, company name or logo, and any other identifying information, and contact the local police or highway patrol. Reporting unsafe driving behavior can help prevent accidents and ensure that negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions.
7. Stay Vigilant in Inclement Weather
Inclement weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog can exacerbate the risks associated with commercial truck accidents. The truck accident attorneys in Cherry Hill caution to reduce your speed when driving in adverse weather conditions, and give trucks plenty of space to maneuver safely. Be prepared for sudden changes in road conditions and visibility, and avoid making abrupt maneuvers that could lead to loss of control or collisions with trucks.
8. Practice Defensive Driving Techniques
Defensive driving is key to protecting yourself from accidents involving commercial trucks. Stay alert, anticipate potential hazards, and maintain a proactive mindset while driving. Avoid distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other activities that take your attention away from the road. By staying focused and practicing defensive driving techniques, you can reduce your risk of being involved in a commercial truck accident.
9. Follow the Rules of the Road
An important tip for road safety is to follow the rules of the road when driving near or around commercial trucks. The rules of the road are designed to ensure the safety and order of all road users, and they apply to both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks.
Some of the rules of the road that you should follow are:
- Obey the speed limits and traffic signals.
- Use your headlights, horn, and turn signals appropriately.
- Yield the right of way to commercial trucks when merging, entering, or exiting the highway.
- Pass commercial trucks on the left side and only when it is safe and legal to do so same way.
- Avoid driving in bad weather, poor visibility, or congested traffic conditions.
10. Behave
Lastly, one of the most important tips for road safety is to respect the truck drivers and their profession. Truck drivers are human beings who have a challenging and demanding job. They must drive long hours, and deal with stress, fatigue, deadlines, and regulations.
They also have to cope with the hazards and risks of the road, such as traffic, weather, accidents, or road rage. Therefore, you should treat them with courtesy, patience, and kindness and avoid any actions that can annoy, distract, or endanger them.
Some of the actions that you should avoid are:
- Honking, flashing, or gesturing at them unnecessarily or aggressively.
- Cutting them off, tailgating, or blocking their way.
- Driving in their blind spots or no-zones for a long time.
- Passing them on the right side or on a curve or hill.
- Making sudden or erratic movements near them.
By respecting the truck drivers, you can help them do their job safely and efficiently and reduce the chances of conflicts or collisions.
Seek Legal Help If You Are Involved in a Commercial Truck Accident
Before you leave, just remember one thing. It is important to seek legal help if you are involved in a commercial truck accident.
Commercial truck accidents are complex and often involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo owner, the insurance company, and law enforcement.
Therefore, you may face many challenges and difficulties in pursuing your legal rights and compensation for your injuries and losses.
A qualified and experienced commercial truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and protect your interests. They can:
- Investigate the cause and liability of the accident.
- Gather and preserve the evidence and documentation.
- Negotiate with the insurance company and other parties.
- File and litigate your claim or lawsuit.
- Obtain the maximum compensation that you deserve.
Therefore, you should not hesitate to contact a commercial truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. They can offer you a free consultation and a contingency fee arrangement, meaning that you do not have to pay anything unless they win your case.
Bottom Line: Stay Safe, Keep Safe!
Commercial truck accidents are serious and potentially fatal events that can affect anyone on the road. Therefore, it is vital to take preventive measures to avoid or minimize the chances of getting involved in a commercial truck accident. By following the tips that we have shared in this article, you can safeguard yourself and your loved ones from commercial truck accidents and ensure a safer and smoother driving experience.
Commercial truck accidents pose significant risks to motorists on the road, but by following these essential tips, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from harm. Remember to stay vigilant, exercise caution, and prioritize safety at all times when driving near commercial trucks. By working together to promote safe driving practices, we can help prevent accidents and ensure a safer road environment for everyone.
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