SHARING THE ROAD WITH SEMI-TRUCKS

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.