How to Improve Your Safety When Sharing the Road with 18-Wheelers Law

Sharing the road with trucks is a reality of driving in America. Interestingly, of the thousands of accidents that occur every year involving trucks, the majority are the fault of car drivers. That’s why it’s important to take safety precautions when driving near 18-wheelers and other large trucks. And if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a truck or 18-wheeler, contact an experienced truck accident attorney to learn what to do next.

Safety tips for sharing the road with trucks

It can feel intimidating sharing the road with large vehicles like big rigs and 18-wheelers. Fortunately, truck drivers are professionals who are concerned with keeping everybody safe on the road. That’s why if you follow certain safety measures, you can drastically decrease the chances of an accident.

Following are some tips to improve your safety when sharing the road with trucks and other large vehicles:

• Avoid distractions. You should always avoid texting, talking on the phone, eating, or any number of other distractions on the road, but especially when you’re sharing the road with trucks.
• Don’t drive next to a truck. Trucks have large blind spots on both sides, as well as in the front and back. If you drive in these spaces, you increase the likelihood of an accident as well as the chance of being hit by a tire blowout or debris from the road.
• Stay home in poor weather. If you don’t have to be on the road in bad weather, play it safe and drive at another time. Also, if you’re on the road and bad weather arrives, watch what the trucks are doing. They are experienced drivers and if they’re pulling over to wait out the weather, you should follow their lead.
• Don’t tailgate. Tailgating is always dangerous but especially with trucks where debris can fly off the trailer or bounce up from the road. Also, if you rear-end a truck, it’s very dangerous because your windshield can be hit by the high bumper of the truck.
• Give trucks space. Trucks need more space to stop and make turns then regular passenger vehicles. Give them plenty of space and watch for turn signals.
• Pass confidently. If you must pass a truck its best to pass on the left as quickly as you can while maintaining a safe speed. Don’t linger in blind spots.

Speak with an experienced trucking accident lawyer today

At the Law Offices of Even W. Kohn, we have years of experience helping clients who were injured in trucking accidents in the Bronx receive the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident due to another party’s negligence, contact us at 718-409-5500 to schedule a free consultation with our trucking accident attorney. Se habla español.