Many ways exist to avoid truck accidents; the main one is to focus on defensive driving. Do not be an aggressive driver because if you wind up in an accident with an 18-wheel truck that weighs several tons, you likely will not come out unscathed.
An accident involving a big-rig truck can lead to catastrophic injuries or even wrongful death. That is why it is important to share the road with these gargantuan vehicles and focus on a number of precautionary measures. Among some of the important safety tips include avoiding driving between large trucks and being aware that these vehicles make wide turns. However, there are many other things to remember.
Avoid blind spots, keep your distance
An accident with a truck can occur on a routine drive to work, a road trip with the family, or a leisurely drive. Here are three tips that can help you avoid an accident with a big-rig truck:
- Avoid driving in the blind spots or “no zones” of big-rig trucks. With limited visibility in the front, back, and sides of the trucks, a truck driver is sometimes at the mercy of other motorists, some of whom may not subscribe to safe driving practices. If you are unable to see the truck driver’s side mirror, it is safe to assume that the truck driver is unable to see you. To stay visible, either slow down or move ahead and pass the truck. Also, take extra care when merging your vehicle near a truck; you could be driving right in the truck driver’s blind spot.
- Maintain a safe distance: Tailgating is rude, aggressive, unsafe, and dangerous. It also places you in the truck driver’s blind spot. You also are at risk of an underride accident if you fail to stop in time, get struck from behind, or if the truck slows down or suddenly brakes. Dangers also surface if your vehicle gets too close when stopped in traffic. On an upgrade, the truck may roll back and strike your vehicle.
- Focus on safe passing: Look for the truck driver in the side mirror and then clearly signal, moving to the left lane. Accelerate and quickly pass the truck so as not to be in the driver’s blind spot. Before pulling in front of the truck, make sure you can see the vehicle in your rearview mirror. Always give a big-rig truck extra space, too. Also, avoid passing trucks on a downgrade because this is where these heavy vehicles pick up speed.
An attentive, alert, and defensive driver is a safe driver. Sharing the roads and highways with large trucks is a given, so please focus on safety when you drive.