Large commercial trucks are involved in tragic accidents that claim thousands of lives yearly. The injuries sustained in a crash can be severe and drastically alter a victim’s life, even if they survive. Whenever it comes to truck accidents, prevention is always preferable to treatment. Use the listed tips to lessen your chance of being involved in a truck accident. Any driver can benefit from learning defensive driving methods, but there are a few you should keep in mind, particularly when you are near a big truck, whether on or off the highway. Below listed are the tips for preventing truck accidents:
Pass quickly:
An accident with a large vehicle grows more likely the longer you stay in its vicinity. To avoid huge trucks, you should never speed, weave through traffic, or violate other traffic laws. Increase your pace to pass the vehicle and avoid standing too close to it for too long. Move swiftly when there is sufficient space in front of the truck for a fast pass. Only pass a big truck making a left or right turn, as these vehicles often make wide bends, and the driver might not be able to see you.
Stay out of the truck’s blind spot:
By checking its side mirrors, you can use a simple approach to determine if you are in a truck’s blind zone. Passing a truck on the driver’s side is more unassailable. You can visit to a Houston truck accident Lawyer if you are in danger. The passenger side of their blind spot is substantially larger. In other words, since the truck is in the right lane, you should pass in the left lane.
Avoid distractions:
Distracted driving puts lives in danger, including your own, so don’t do it. Driving while distracted is particularly risky while going next to a big truck because so many other risks raise the possibility of an accident. Always give the road your complete attention. Avoid being distracted while driving by anything, including a cell phone, a passenger, a radio, food, personal grooming, or a recent disagreement with family.
Particularly on highways, driving can be tedious and time-consuming. However, avoid getting overly tired or preoccupied when driving. Just keep in mind that other drivers are also bored. Plan your journey so that your favorite podcasts, audiobooks, music, or other forms of entertainment are already lined up.
Anticipate weather conditions:
Nearly everywhere, there are storms, and occasionally they develop quickly. Driving conditions are perilous when it’s bad outside. Your phone’s weather app can be configured to notify you when a potentially hazardous storm is approaching. Alternately, if one does occur suddenly, make your way to the closest exit and wait it out.
Be predictable:
This is crucial in all driving circumstances, but it is vital when there are big trucks nearby. Use unambiguous signals so a truck driver can understand what you are planning and adjust their driving accordingly. Make sure to use your turn signals before making a turn or lane change.
Stay out of no zone:
The extensive blind zones connected to huge rigs are called the No Zone. Compared to the typical passenger automobile, 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers have substantially greater blind areas. By identifying and avoiding the No-Zone, you can increase your safety as a driver around heavy vehicles. This area is on all four sides of a truck and should be avoided whenever possible.
Bottom line:
You can’t always avoid collisions, and occasionally even the most careful driver has an accident. However, you can prevent a fatal circumstance by following these truck accident avoidance recommendations and always employing common sense and cautious driving practices.