Many truck accidents happen because passenger vehicle drivers do not know how to drive around semi-trucks. They don’t leave enough space between themselves and trucks, they crowd corners when trucks are turning, they overreact to a truck being next to them, and much more. What drivers should know is that trucks take longer to stop and have large blind spots. Here’s some tips from experienced drivers, from travelling workers to fervent travelers.
Stay Alert
One of the best ways to prevent accidents is to stay alert. Avoid distractions while driving by turning off your phone and putting away food and drinks. Keep a close eye on the weather conditions, as inclement weather can create unsafe road conditions.
Trucks need far longer stopping distances than passenger cars, so keeping a safe gap between your car and one is crucial. Also, don’t try to pass a truck as it turns right—this maneuver puts you in its dangerous blind spot. It’s possible that the truck driver won’t have enough time to brake before colliding with you. This is especially true when attempting to pass a truck downhill.
Stay in Your Lane
The safest way to drive around semis is to keep them within your travel lane. If you are following a truck too closely or tailgating, they may be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. This also puts you at risk for rear-end collisions, which are among the most common semi-truck accidents in Colorado.
Additionally, it would be best never to pass a truck when turning right, as this maneuver places your vehicle in the truck’s dangerous blind spot. It is also important to always signal when changing lanes near a truck, as this lets the driver know what you will do and gives them more time to react accordingly. Also, never use your phone while driving, and avoid distracted activities such as eating, using a GPS device, and adjusting the radio.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Rear-end crashes can be avoided by leaving plenty of space between your car and the truck in front of you. Keeping a safe distance also gives you more time to respond should the truck in front of you suddenly slam on its brakes.
When you’re passing a truck, only do so when there is sufficient room to pass, and you can see the driver in your mirrors. Never cut into their blind spot or try to pass while turning. These maneuvers are more dangerous and can result in a deadly accident.
To measure your safe following distance, look for a fixed point ahead, such as an overpass or utility pole, and count to three. This will help you stay alert and aware of what other drivers are doing around you.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Truck drivers must pay attention to all road users, from other trucks to pedestrians and bicyclists. This is obviously complicated by alcohol or other intoxication and there are harsher penalties for truck drivers doing so. However, car drivers often cause or contribute to deadly big rig accidents with bad driving or inebriation. For example, rushing to your destination can cause you to lose focus. This can be especially dangerous if you are around large vehicles. As general advice, always pass a truck on the left side and don’t linger in its blind spots. Give them lots of room when they turn too, as they have a wider turning radius than smaller cars.
Avoid drinking and driving. It makes you feel like you’re in a rush, it makes you feel like you can do things you can’t or shouldn’t. It changes how you react. The impairment to your judgment and motor skills is measurable, and nothing short of dangerous. It doesn’t take much convincing when saying that just one mistake can be a deadly one.
Be Patient
Truck drivers are under a lot of pressure to get their cargo to its destination quickly. However, speeding and being impatient can lead to deadly truck accidents.
Always obey the traffic laws and slow down in bad weather conditions. This gives you a greater chance to avoid dangerous truck accidents.
Use the 3-Second Rule to calculate the safe distance you need to leave between your car and the vehicle in front of you. Make sure to check your mirrors often and signal before changing lanes. This will allow the truck driver to see and anticipate your move, avoiding a collision.
Lastly, make sure to wear your seat belt at all times while driving, even short distances. It could save your life, and frankly, no one likes being ejected from a vehicle.
Also read: 3 Ways To Get Justice After A Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident