Handling Heavy Vehicles: How To Avoid Accidents And Injuries
It can be tricky to drive around large trailers or trucks on the road, especially when there’s a lot of traffic. In spite of that, did you know that tractor-trailer drivers have to abide by certain federal safety regulations that are designed to reduce the rate of roadway collisions resulting from trucks? However, it’s also necessary for regular drivers to follow the driving safety rules as well in order to minimize road accidents. General road safety is a shared responsibility upon all drivers and pedestrians. Although, it can be hard dealing with large and heavy vehicles. To avoid roadway-related injuries, you need to know how to handle large trucks driving on the road. Keep reading to find out how you can follow the federal safety regulations and contribute to minimizing truck-related accidents and injuries.
Avoid Driving in Small Spaces
It’s a general rule that you should never, as a driver, try to bypass a truck by squeezing into a small space beside the truck while it’s turning. It’s also not recommended for truck drivers to try to drive into tiny spaces. It’s simply not as easy to maneuver a trailer vehicle as it is when you try driving next to a regular car. There’s not enough space to risk your life and try driving next to a truck while it’s turning. Chances are, the driver of the truck won’t be able to see your car squeezing into the little space and even if they do, they won’t manage to stop before bumping into your car.
Drive at the Right Time
Passing a large truck is a lot different than passing a regular passenger vehicle. Truck drivers have a different view than those driving regular vehicles, therefore you must be cautious driving by large, heavy vehicles. Maintain a constant speed and drive carefully when passing a truck, instead of racing forward and slowing or stopping immediately when the truck is behind you. You should also avoid passing around hills or curves when driving on two-lane roadways. You can risk racing in front of the truck without having the driver see or giving them enough time to stop before hitting your car.
Truck accidents happen in a blink of an eye, and truck accident recovery plays a vital role in mitigating the aftermath. Immediate response from professional recovery teams is crucial to swiftly clear the wreckage, provide medical assistance, and restore normal traffic flow. These teams are equipped to handle the complexities of heavy vehicles, ensuring a systematic and safe recovery process.
Comply With the Road Rules and Avoid Reckless Driving
It’s much easier to avoid involving in an accident when you can predict what other drivers are supposed to do on the law. All drivers, whether truck or passenger vehicle, need to follow the roadway driving rules. San Antonio truck accident lawyers at HerrmanAndHerrman.com say that truck drivers are limited to a certain driving speed due to the weight and size of cargo these commercial trucks carry. So while they may want to speed up and keep up with the traffic flow, they must abide by the speeding limits. Other drivers around them should too.
Mind Blind Spots
When making turns or driving in narrow areas, big trucks usually need more space around them than passenger vehicle drivers. They have a much larger blind spot, and this often causes them not to see passing cars next to them. If you’re driving next to a large truck, keep a 4-cars distance, wait for it to finish turning, and drive safely after. Make sure to stay visible so that the truck driver can see you passing.
Don’t Attempt to Drive Near Hazardous Trucks
Commercial trucks are dangerous to drive around, especially in bad weather conditions. They are likely to send debris, snow, or mud flying which can cause visibility impairment or damage to other drivers. These flying items can hit your car, and they can be thrown from the back or sides of the truck driving beside you. So make sure you leave a distance between your car and commercial vehicles when driving by one on the road.
Don’t Pass a Large Truck When It’s Turning
As mentioned previously, it’s very dangerous to drive next to trucks when they are making a turn. The drivers are usually focused on making a large turn, besides the larger blind spot, which makes them unable to see your small car driving by. It’s always best to wait for the truck to finish turning, then driving after.
Some accidents can be unavoidable, but these tips will help you maximize your safety on the road when driving or dealing with large, heavy trucks. There are many driving guidelines that explain how truck drivers should stick to certain speeding limits when carrying heavy cargo. Don’t expect a truck driver to speed up when driving in front of you.
