Accidents involving trucks are a major issue, especially within the United States. These types of collisions can endanger the lives of the victims, but can also cost the economy billions each year.
While the goal is to prevent truck accidents and keep drivers safe, it is not as simple as it may seem. There are always precautions a driver can take to reduce the chances of a potentially fatal collision. We’ve compiled some tips to help.
Always Keep Your Distance
One of the easiest ways to prevent accidents is to keep a safe distance from other vehicles on the road. This will give you plenty of room to make a correction if anything goes wrong, but can also help you prevent an accident.
Following too close to another vehicle is called tailgating and it has the potential to be very dangerous. You may get rear-ended by another vehicle if you go too close to a truck and the driver brakes quickly. Maintaining a safe distance from trucks on the road will greatly reduce the chance of collisions.
Maintain Visibility
Can the truck see you on the road? This is important if you want to avoid a collision. Staying visible to all vehicles is a helpful tip. It can help a truck driver make driving maneuvers well in advance instead of having to react to another vehicle.
The more your vehicle is visible to others, the less likely it is that other drivers will miss you. Being struck by another vehicle as they change lanes or merge into traffic ahead of you is something you want to avoid at all costs. How do you make yourself more visible? Your headlights are a good start. Make sure they are bright and are visible from a distance. This also applies to your taillights and brake lights.
Drive Carefully
It is crucial to drive carefully. For example, if you are approaching a truck from the rear, decrease your speed. It should go without saying, but a driver should avoid switching lanes erratically in traffic and causing a collision.
When a truck is approaching: choose one lane and stay in it. Doing this will allow a truck driver passing you to safely pass without colliding with your vehicle.
No Distractions
Distracted driving must be avoided at all costs. Every year, a large number of accidents are caused by distracted drivers.
Many truck accidents, for example, are caused by distractions after lengthy road trips behind the wheel. Eating, driving or talking on the phone can distract a driver as well. To prevent a truck accident, the drivers must always be aware of their surroundings. Being alert will allow a driver to react quickly if anything goes wrong.
Watch Your Blind Spots
For drivers near trucks, truck blind spots may be a major issue. It’s easy to become lost in these blind areas, due to a truck’s enormous size. Furthermore, an accident on the road may occur if another driver changes lanes or merges into your vehicle.
Keep at least three seconds between you and the truck in front of you to give other drivers ample time to respond before hitting your car.
Be Patient
Patience is not only necessary while approaching a vehicle, but also helps keep you calm. Road rage usually results in accidents. So, if another motorist cuts you off or drifts toward you, keep calm. There’s no reason to lose your cool and become involved in an accident.
You never know what could happen if two drivers lose their cool. Being patient and remaining calm can go a long way.
Avoid Changing Lanes Often
Use caution while changing lanes. A vehicle striking another while changing lanes happens more frequently than most people think.
To prevent an accident, never turn into other lanes or cut someone off unless you cannot help it. Also, never change lanes when you can’t see the vehicles around you well.
Been in a Truck Accident? What Should You Do?
The very first thing you should do if you’ve been in an accident is to obtain the names and contact information for the driver, passengers, and any witnesses as soon as possible. Call the cops and file a police report. Get medical attention, though sometimes your injuries may not be apparent until later. Lastly, enlist a car accident attorney that you truck to help guide you in your case.
Interesting related article: “What is a Personal Injury?“