It’s no secret that traffic is a serious issue in Atlanta and the surrounding areas. One common cause is stalled vehicles in the roadway. The first things that come to mind with a stalled vehicle are the delays, inconvenience, and costly repairs that come with a breakdown. However, the potential risk of injury and death in these situations is a much more serious concern.

Stalled vehicles create significant danger, for both to the occupants of the incapacitated vehicle and other drivers. Even the most attentive drivers could be caught off guard by the sudden need to stop or change lanes to avoid a stopped vehicle on the interstate, and with the increase in distracted driving, they may never even see it coming. If your vehicle has stalled and it is not safe or possible to move it yourself, it is important that you understand how to get out of the situation without harm to yourself or others.

There is a service that operates in Atlanta specifically for the purpose of clearing roadways so that traffic flow can return to normal. The Highway Emergency Response Operators, or HERO for short, are available 24/7. They can be reached by dialing 5-1-1. Obviously if you have been in an accident, then you should contact emergency services. But, if your vehicle has simply become immovable, HERO can get it out of harm’s way so that you can make arrangements to have it towed to a shop or your home.

SAFELY MANAGING A STALLED VEHICLE

The driver experiencing the mechanical problem and other drivers have to play a role in avoiding stall-related accidents. These are some simple strategies that should be regular practice for all drivers.

• Keep ample distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.
• Stay aware of your safest route to avoid a possible accident or breakdown that occurs in your line of travel.
• Pay to attention to other drivers around you, lookout for signs that they may make a sudden lane change or suffer a malfunction.
• Do not make assumptions that other drivers will attempt to avoid an accident or stalled vehicle.

The first step in managing mechanical failures, is avoiding them. While there are some things you can never predict, routine maintenance can eliminate many possible failures. Here are some things any driver can do, despite your level of knowledge about cars.

• Check your tire pressure regularly.
• Inspect your tires for wear and damage, such as punctures and bubbling or gouged sidewalls.
• Monitor your fluid levels. Your oil and coolant can be easily checked and are vital to the vehicle functioning properly.
• Gauges and warning lights will also alert you if you have an issue arising. Know what these gauges mean, and what they read under normal circumstances. If you have a check engine light on, you can have it diagnosed for free at most auto parts stores.

Despite your best efforts, problems may still arise. The following will help you handle this situation as safely as possible.

• Use you hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• Remain calm and avoid sudden or abrupt movements.
• Avoid sudden hard braking, especially in the event of a tire blowout. Allow the car to naturally decelerate.

If unable to get to the shoulder or out of traffic, use the following tips.

• Use your hazard lights and make sure you are visible to other drivers.
• Contact roadside services. Again, HERO can assist you free of charge. Dial 5-1-1.
• Before exiting the vehicle, make certain that you can do so safely. If possible, use road flares to make yourself more visible.
• Do not attempt to repair or push the vehicle in traffic.
• If you determine the safest action to take is staying in your vehicle, keep your seatbelt fastened.

If you have been injured in any type of vehicle accident, contact the Law Office of Gregory Chancy today.

While driving your vehicle safely is important and necessary, many factors on the roads are out of your control. You simply cannot control or predict what other drivers are going to do. However, there are some things you can do to protect yourself. Specifically, when driving near 18 wheelers.

Tractor trailers and other commercial vehicles can weigh more 80,000 pounds. Some of these are hauling flammable or hazardous materials. Others are carrying heavy equipment, often secured by the vehicle’s operator, who may be working more hours than allowed, leaving them under rested. While most truck drivers abide by the regulations of their industry and obey traffic laws, there are some who follow unsafe practices on a regular basis. This can cause accidents which almost always result in serious injury.

Whether you are heading out on a road trip, or just your daily highway commute, you will be sharing the road with commercial haulers. The following are tips to help keep you and your passengers safe.

Keep a safe braking distance when following trucks

If you are within one or two car lengths of the back of a semi-truck, the driver likely cannot see you. This is one of these large trucks many blind spots. A trucker who gets tired behind the wheel may suddenly brake out of panic. These vehicles also take longer to stop, requiring the driver to get on the brakes hard in a situation where something is obstructing their path. Regardless of the reason for their stop, if you have not left yourself ample distance, you could end up under the back of the trailer.

Be aware of, and avoid, blind spots

Along with the area directly to the rear of the trailer, trucks also have large blind spots on their sides and directly in front. Many trucks have signs that will warn you that you are in an area where their visibility is low. However, an impaired or overworked driver may not even bother to look. Best to fully avoid these areas when possible. When passing, do not linger and stay alert.

Do not pass a semi-truck on the right

Directly beside the right side of these vehicles is the most dangerous area to be. Attempting to pass on the right puts you at serious risk. Trucks make wide right turns. One of the most common type of accident occurs when a right turning truck runs over a vehicle in this blind spot. Always pass on the left and watch for turn signals on large trucks.

Beyond the inherent danger of traveling near semi-trucks, are the risks that operators are known to take. These drivers work long hours and often spend many months on the road. Along with physical fatigue, truckers may also be under emotional stresses being away from family for extended periods of time. The trailers may be overloaded or hauling dangerous chemicals. Any number of these factors could be occurring simultaneously.

Don’t take any risks. Drive carefully, be alert, give them space

If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident with a tractor trailer or other commercial vehicle, call the Law Offices of Gregory Chancy today at 770-427-3221.