At some point, most of us have found ourselves driving next to a big rig. It can be quite an intimidating experience. Because these vehicles are inherently much larger than normal vehicles, the results can be devastating when a collision occurs between a truck and a car.
Our truck accident attorneys know all too well that these types of crashes can lead to the most devastating outcomes, including catastrophic injuries and fatalities. To ensure you stay safe while driving next to a big truck, here are a few tips.
1. Merge Carefully
Trucks take longer to slow down and come to a stop, which increases the chance of a truck colliding with another vehicle in front of it. Avoid merging in front of a truck, especially if traffic is stopping or congested.
2. Avoid Blind Spots
Truck drivers have many more blind spots than drivers in normal vehicles, making these vehicles much more difficult to see for truck drivers. Specifically, the following areas can be difficult for truck drivers so see:
Halfway down the truck on the driver’s side
Behind the truck
Two lanes wide to the right of the truck
Either slow down or speed up to get out of blind spots when driving in the lane next to a truck.
Remember that if you can’t see the driver in their side mirrors, they may not be able to see you.
3. Give Clear Signals
Giving the truck driver adequate time to adjust their driving can help prevent a crash. Use your signal sooner than you normally would when driving next to a big rig so that the truck driver has more time to react and utilize their brakes.
4. Give the Truck Plenty of Space
If possible, try not to stay right next to a truck for too long. Many factors that are out of your control can lead to an accident, such as sudden braking, tire blowouts, or mechanical failure. Either make a lane change or speed up or slow down to put some more room in between your vehicle and the truck.
5. Avoid Distractions
This rule should be followed regardless of where you are driving, but it is especially important to stay vigilant when driving next to a big truck. Always drive defensively and be prepared in case you need to make a sudden move to avoid colliding with a big truck.
Sadly, even the most defensive drivers may become victims of trucking accidents due to distracted truck drivers or negligent trucking companies. If you or a loved one was injured in a trucking accident, we are here for you. Our trucking accident attorneys will identify negligent parties and work to help you obtain the compensation you fully deserve.
Contact Fowler Helsel Vogt at (559) 900-1280 to schedule your free case review.