Posted on Sunday, June 12th, 2022 at 2:39 pm
Most of the goods that we buy in stores or online or the materials used to make them will be transported in a commercial truck at some point. With so many trucks on the road, collisions can and do occur, and the results can be devastating. In Alabama in the year 2020, a person was injured as a result of a traffic accident approximately every 14 minutes. While it might not be possible to account for the negligence of a truck driver or another entity, there are things we can do to protect ourselves while driving near these massive vehicles. Four ways to prevent truck accidents include:
Give Trucks Plenty of Space
When you increase the amount of space between your vehicle and trucks on the road, this generally makes the situation as safe as possible. More space means more buffer room. In the event that either vehicle needs to brake or stop suddenly, it gives the other vehicle more time and space to react. This in turn reduces the chance that a collision will occur.
To give trucks space, you need to first be aware of where they are around you. This includes the area in front of your vehicle, as well as to the rear and both sides. Traffic situations can change quickly, so this requires constant awareness. However, it will nearly always be to your benefit to do so. Because of a truck’s size and power, passenger vehicles are no match when it comes to a collision. If you have pressing questions about your case, don’t hesitate to contact our legal team today.
Stay Out of a Truck’s Blind Spots
Trucks have large blind spots. They are generally located on both sides adjacent to the truck as well as the area immediately behind the trailer. An easy way to tell if you are in one of a truck’s blind spots is whether or not you can see the truck’s driver.
If you are unable to see the driver, the driver is also likely unable to see you. This means he or she may be unaware that your vehicle is in close proximity to theirs. They may then attempt to switch lanes. This can occur because they believe that the area next to them is free of other vehicles. It’s not always possible to completely avoid a truck’s blind spots. However, the safest way to drive is to spend as little time there as possible. Contact our team today.
Merge and Pass Carefully
Trucks handle differently than passenger vehicles. It takes trucks much more distance and time to decelerate and come to a complete stop. This is especially true if a vehicle in front of them makes a sudden movement. These types of situations can occur frequently when merging or passing a truck.
Avoid passing trucks on the right side. Also, avoid passing them while on a steep downhill stretch of road. When you merge, do so using your turn signal, and be sure you have enough space to merge safely. If you notice a truck passing or merging, wait to make similar movements until they have completed theirs. Contact us today.
Don’t Drive Distracted
As a driver, your job is to watch the road and operate your vehicle safely. This can only happen when you avoid driving distracted. It may seem like reading a text message is a higher priority than keeping your eyes on the road. This is simply not true and it is never worth it. In the year 2020, more than 8 Americans were killed each day due to distracted driving accidents.
You always have the option to find the nearest location to pull over. You can safely look at your device once parked. It can easily occur that the few seconds when you look away is when a truck in front of you slams on the brakes. When you commit to not driving distracted, you are preventing many types of traffic crashes, including those with trucks.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact an Alabama Truck Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured by a negligent truck driver, trucking company, or another entity, you could be owed compensation for your injuries and other losses. To recover the fair amount that you’re owed, contact an experienced Alabama truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP has been helping those injured in truck crashes in our community for more than two decades. We know how to get results.
Call (205) 324-1212 today for a free consultation with a skilled truck accident lawyer at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP.
