Trucks serve an important role in our society. They serve as a mode of transportation that can carry a large amount of supplies to support our communities. But, because of their large size, trucks have the potential to cause immense harm on our roads, highways and freeways.
According to USA today, four people were recently killed in a truck accident near the California-Arizona border. The collision injured many others.
Sharing the roadways with trucks is important in preventing accidents. Below are some safety tips to keep in mind for both car drivers and for truck drivers.
Safety tips for car drivers:
• Be mindful of the blind spots trucks have. A good rule of thumb to remember is if you can’t see the truck’s rearview mirrors, then the truck driver cannot see you.
• Give fair warning when merging in front of a truck. Trucks cannot brake as easily and as quickly as passenger cars, so it is important to never cut in front of a truck.
• Never pass a truck while it is making a turn. Because trucks need more space than passenger cars to turn, you never want to put yourself in danger in an attempt to pass a truck while it is turning.
Safety tips for truck drivers:
• Be mindful of your own blind spots. Adjust your mirrors as necessary so that you can get the most complete view of your surroundings, but also remember that you have major blind spots while driving your truck.
• Consider your well-being before you drive. If you are experiencing driver fatigue, pull over and rest. You increase the likelihood of an accident when you drive while tired.
• Carefully navigate through construction zones. Abide by all construction zone speed limits, and make sure you are extra aware as you pass through these sites.
If you find yourself involved in an accident with a large truck, your health and the health of those around you should be your primary concern. Seek immediate medical attention if necessary. Because trucks tend to carry large amounts of diesel fuel, you and those involved in the accident should vacate the scene, as fires and explosions are a chief concern.
My firm has been helping truck accident victims for more than 30 years. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact us at 800-676-5295 for a free consultation.
