You have to practise more control on your vehicle when driving amid large trucks that you may think.
The massive rigs and large trucks can appear to be very threatening and dangerous. Most of the time these huge trucks are loaded with heavy items and just watching them move haphazardly on the road can be very unnerving. However, these huge trucks help import all the necessities of your life right from grocery items, to household goods to gasoline. Therefore, learning how to drive safely around these trucks can work in everyone’s best interest.
While the laws of every country are continually working on improving safety road standards for everyone, you also have the ability to practice more control over your own safety than you realize. When you learn and follow the safety rules on how to drive near these huge vehicles, you can save many lives. You need to keep in mind what the truck drivers can and cannot see so that you can safely drive around it and enjoy your ride without any stress. Below are some experts tips you can follow to be able to drive safely around large trucks or trailers.
Avoiding blind spots
This is one of the main truck accident causes which is when the truck driver is in a position when they view other cars from a higher point of view. Also as the length of this truck is long, there are blind spots wherein the driver cannot see smaller passenger cars. One of the most dangerous things to do is to drive alongside a truck wherein the truck driver will not even be able to see you. These are called blind spots. Most truck drivers have a blind spot on either side of their vehicle as well as the front and rear end. Keep out of these blind spots especially when the truck is turning around a curve or changing lanes.
Pass quickly
All commercial truckers have to follow a speed limit. These limits are set to prevent them from driving past a certain speed which can lead to a disaster. If you notice a truck driver speeding, then you should inform the road authorities. If you want to get past a truck, start by going far back enough so you are out of the blind spot of the review mirror of the truck driver. Give the indication to the driver and then pass on the left. Pass quickly and do not slow down while you are right next to the truck as that is a blind spot for the driver.
Maintain safety distance
There are many reasons why you should avoid driving right next to heavy vehicles or even right behind them. If the truck’s tires blow, then it could skid immediately and you could end up getting some serious injuries. Also when truck drivers need to take a wide turn and you are in the blind spot, you and your car can be in trouble. If the truck driver decides to brake for whatever reason, and if you are unable to immediately brake at the same time, you could slide right under the truck. For this reason, it is always important to maintain a safe distance between the truck and your car. It will give you enough time to react if something were to go wrong.
Avoid cutting off
Larger trucks and trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds as compared to a passenger car that weighs up to 4000 pounds. For this reason, larger vehicles especially if they are fully loaded may take a long time to come to a halt in ideal conditions. If you do notice a truck that is trying to come to a halt, then give them time to be able to do so. Refrain from trying to cut off the trucks. Give enough distance between your car and the truck so that they can come to a halt safely.
Stay alert
When you are on the road, regardless of the other vehicles around you and how they are driving, it is important for you to stay alert. If you are under any intoxication or have taken any medication that is making you sleepy or feeling unwell, you should refrain from driving. You should be able to keep your full attention on the road and be able to focus on the surroundings as well. Any kind of distractions like looking at your phone or talking to the passenger while taking your eyes off the road can have disastrous and sometimes even fatal results. Refreshing safety road standards once in a while can be helpful.
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What to do in case of a truck accident
Sometimes, no matter what precautions you take, a car accident can take place. This can be very stressful especially if you collide with a large truck. Once you recover from the initial shock, check if you or your passengers have encountered any injuries. If not then the next step is to call emergency services to help you out. If you are in a busy street, try to drive aside to a safe curbside and wait for the officials to come. During this time refrain from making emotional statements or admitting to guilt.
Takedown all information while it is still fresh in your mind. Note down the truck registration number, location, and any reasons that could have led to the accident. The formation of ice on the road, heavy winds, fog, and so on can all lead to an accident. Once the law enforcement arrives, cooperate with them and give them all the information they need. They will give you a copy of the accident report which you should keep with you.
The most important thing to do after this incident is to contact your attorney as soon as possible. There are many legalities involved especially if you are not sure who was at fault. Reputable truck accident attorneys can help you put together key evidence and handle communication on your behalf. This way you can claim your legal rights and also makes the insurance claim easier.
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