Truck drivers should be specially trained on how to handle the large vehicles they drive and how to avoid accidents with other drivers. But truckers don’t always receive the right training or don’t pay attention to the drivers around them. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, 3,903 people were killed in the United States in 2014 due to accidents with large trucks. There are steps you can take to protect yourself when driving on the highway around tractor trailers.
Don’t Follow Too Closely
While you should always leave adequate space between you and the driver in front of you, it is especially important when you are driving behind a tractor-trailer. Trucks can blow out tires and spin out of control. Leave yourself enough distance to react. A three-second distance is usually recommended.
Avoid a Truck’s Blind Spots
Due to their size, tractor trailers have large blind spots and limited visibility. A good rule of thumb is that if you can’t see the driver, either through the window or in the side view mirrors, the driver probably can’t see you.
Don’t Cut Off Trucks
Tractor trailers are far less maneuverable than other vehicles and take much longer to stop due to their weight. If you must pass in front of a truck be sure to give the truck plenty of space to respond. It’s also important to make sure you don’t suddenly brake when driving in front of a truck.
Give a Truck Adequate Space to Turn
Tractor trailers require a great deal of room to make wide turns. The larger the truck, the more time and space it will require to execute a turn. Attempting to pass a turning truck can be extremely dangerous.
Get Out of the Way
It is always safer for a car to make a lane change than it is for a truck. If you see a truck coming up behind you and you can’t or don’t want to match its speed, pull over into another lane and let the truck pass you.
Be Aware
Whether you are driving around large trucks or not, it is always important to stay alert and aware. Distracted driving can be deadly. If you keep your full attention on the road, then you know you are doing your part to stay safe.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Although you can do your best to stay safe, you can’t prevent all truck accidents. If you’ve been injured in an accident with a large truck or tractor-trailer, you should contact a personal injury attorney. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience representing injured New Yorkers. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MED-LAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits available. Se habla espaňol.