Some things are easy to avoid. If you don’t like flying, you can stay away from airports and make a point not to get on an airplane. If you don’t like clowns, don’t go to the circus or kids birthday parties. And if you want to avoid snakes, stay out of the woods and pet shops.
However, some things are not as easy to avoid. For example, everyone wants to avoid getting into an accident with a semi truck. Semi trucks occupy a lot of space on a lot of roads, and it isn’t practical to avoid these roads altogether. Thankfully, there are some things that you can do to decrease your chances of being involved in an accident with a semi truck.
Trucks Need More
You cannot treat semi-trucks like any other vehicle. They need more; more time to get going, more time to stop, more room to turn, and they take up more room on the road. They are also on the road a lot more than other vehicles, which means the drivers are potentially more tired than the average driver on the road.
Keep Your Distance
Because of this, you should give them more space to maneuver. Don’t tailgate, stay visible, and if you’re going to pass them, do it quickly. The more space you give a semi-truck, the less likely you are going to be involved in an accident. The more adverse the driving conditions, the more space you should allow.
Don’t Pass on the Right
In most cases it is illegal to pass on the right. With trucks it is especially dangerous, though. They have a large blind spot on their right side, which means it is much more likely for the driver not to see your vehicle when moving back to the right lane. If you need to pass a truck, be patient and wait for them to get over.
Don’t Fight It
It is never a good idea to try to jockey for position with a semi truck. For the sake of survival, it is important to realize that if it is your car vs. a semi truck, you lose.
Pay Attention
It can be easy to lose focus on the road, but it is vital to be sharp when driving around semi-trucks. Try to anticipate what they are doing on the road, and pay attention to other drivers and traffic patterns so that you can stay a step ahead in case of an emergency. Most importantly, be patient.
You can’t avoid driving on the road with semi trucks, but if you follow these tips it can help you avoid getting into a wreck with one. If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident involving a semi truck, you may be entitled to compensation. With over 20 years of experience, Bryan Caulfield and his team are committed to excellence, and committed to getting clients the settlements that they deserve. To schedule a consultation, contact us today.