Collisions between passenger vehicles and commercial trucks can happen in an instant. The best protection against a car/truck accident is to drive prudently and avoid putting yourself and your passengers in danger. Being alert and avoiding specific situations will decrease your chances of becoming collateral damage in a commercial truck accident.
Tips for Sharing the Road with Commercial Trucks
• Avoid Abrupt Stops. If you are on the highway, understand that commercial trucks will take much longer to slow down and brake than a passenger automobile. Never abruptly stop with a truck right behind you.
• Change Lanes Safely. Since the truck cannot brake as quickly as a car, do not cut off a truck on the highway or change lanes without warning. If you are passing a truck, make sure you are well ahead of the truck before moving back into its lane. Vehicles in the passing lane must allow several car lengths before changing lanes in front of a truck.
• Check for Mirrors. If you cannot see a truck driver in his side-mirror, he cannot see you, either. Do not drive in a truck’s blind spots – do not drive close behind trucks or near the end of the trailer.
• Pass Trucks with Caution. A truck on the highway is going to cause cross-winds, and this wind can actually run a car off the road. Never speed to pass a commercial truck, and be extremely cautious during inclement weather or on slippery roads.
• Never Tailgate a Truck. Besides the potential for sudden truck braking and a resulting in an undercarriage collision, the area directly behind the truck is another blind spot.
• Know the No Zone. Never drive in a truck’s “No Zone.” This is the term for the area directly behind the truck cab next to the cargo trailer. This is a blind spot for commercial trucks and automobiles should only be in the No Zone briefly when passing a truck on the left.
Even if you do everything possible to avoid a car/truck accident, you may become involved in a collision through no fault of your own. When trucks cause catastrophic car accidents, not only is the injured person affected, but the victim’s entire family can suffer devastating losses. From the moment of the accident, the trucking industry and their insurance companies work against victims to minimize their liabilities and protect their financial interests.
If you have been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, please contact Northland Injury Law. An attorney experienced in the field of auto accidents will be happy to provide you with a free consultation to help you consider your options during this difficult time.
