It is common to find large trucks on the highways. Due to their size and power, these vehicles can cause dangerous road accidents, mostly caused by driver’s and truck owner’s negligence. A large percentage of truck accidents can be prevented.
Ways To Prevent Truck Accidents
Avoid Distractions
One of the major causes of truck accidents is driving under distractions. The common distractive activities include talking or texting on the phone, eating food, and noisy passengers. Respond to your texts after reaching your destination.
Encourage Rests and Breaks for Drivers
Trucks go for long distances, which may take days. If the driver doesn’t take proper rests and breaks, they can cause accidents due to fatigue and sleep. All drivers should follow HOS regulations.
Dim Your Bright
This applies to every motorist. Bright lights reflect on the truck’s side mirrors, which in turn blind them. Therefore, lower your beam lights when near a truck or any other vehicle. If you get into an accident, look for a car accident lawyer Denver-based and get rightful compensation.
Maintain a Safe Distance
It is important to keep a distance from a truck. Close driving can put you at risk of tire blowouts and sudden braking- this may cause your car to slide under the truck or the truck tipping over your vehicle.
Be Careful When Overtaking
A truck is longer, and you can’t pass it easily like other vehicles. You also can’t see the road in front because the truck is higher up. Once you find a chance to overtake, do it swiftly and avoid passing the vehicle at sharp corners or uphill or downhill.
Conduct Regular Truck Inspection
Vehicle maintenance and inspection are crucial for all cars. Through inspection, a mechanic will notice issues with the truck before the onset of the journey.
Avoiding Blind Spots
Drivers who operate trucks are too high off the ground, and it’s hard to see motorists behind or next to their trucks. Blind spots are any areas that a driver cannot see directly. A report by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that 840,000 accidents occur due to blind spots. Therefore, drivers should be extra careful when exchanging lanes.
Carry The Correct Weight
Overloading is a common cause of truck accidents. Some drivers can carry more loads on their return journey. It is easier for an overloaded truck to overturn and roll. So, always ensure your vehicle is carrying the correct weight.
Give Clear Signals
It is important to use signals in any driving situation. Always ensure you alert the truck driver about what you intend to do. This will help the driver adjust speed and give space. Also, use a signal when changing lanes. Failure to do so can lead to an accident because trucks take longer to slow down than other vehicles.
Whether you are the driver or passenger, prioritize your safety before anything else. Follow traffic rules, and at the end of the day, you will help prevent an accident. There are so many deaths and serious injuries occurring on the roads now and then. If that happens, look for an accident lawyer for court representation.