Accidents involving large semi trucks can be extremely serious and often fatal. It’s important to know how to drive safely around these vehicles when on freeways and highways. Your actions can make a difference and prevent truck accidents.
Leave Plenty of Space
When driving around trucks, you need to remember to leave plenty of space. Specifically, you need to provide for enough time when you are driving around a truck. Trucks have a much slower response time than smaller vehicles. If you merge in front of a truck too quickly or without enough space behind you, the truck may not have enough time to slow down and it can cause a collision. Trucks also need a lot more space to take turns, so it’s best to provide plenty of space when driving around them. As a rule of thumb, only drive close to trucks as you are passing them and make sure you do so quickly.
Know the Blind Spots
In order to stay safe when passing or driving near a large truck, you should know the blind spots. Since trucks are so large and usually come with large trailers, they have a lot more blind spots than most vehicles. Obviously, one of the biggest blind spots will be directly behind the truck. This area can extend 30 feet. If they stop suddenly, your vehicle can quickly be crushed or even go under the trailer. There are also blind spots on either side of the truck. On the right side, this blind spot can cover two lanes of traffic. The blind spot in front of the truck exists because the cab of the truck is much higher off the ground. If you want to merge in front of a truck, make sure you can fully see the truck in your rearview mirror before merging to avoid the blind spot.
Stay Alert
Again, trucks have slower response times, require more room, and can easily cause a collision if the surrounding traffic is not paying attention. It is a good idea to stay alert no matter where you are driving or what types of vehicles you are around. Staying alert around trucks is especially important. When you are focused you can anticipate when a truck is merging or turning and this can help you stay safe.
No one wants to be the cause of or involved in a truck accident. They are very dangerous and can result in fatalities. The way you drive around trucks can help to prevent any of these serious accidents.
If you have been in a truck accident, reach out to a truck accident lawyer.