Safety Tips for Sharing the Road With Large Trucks
If you get a bit anxious when driving next to or behind large trucks such as 18 wheelers, you aren’t alone and this is totally understandable. These vehicles tower over us and many of us have also witnessed them drift over the line into our own lanes which can be scary. After all, truck accidents can cause much more serious injuries than lots of other types of crashes and while no car accident is welcomed, this is one that we would all especially like to avoid. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were approximately 450,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in 2017, including approximately 344,000 injury crashes. In addition, well over 4,000 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2017 which represented a ten percent increase from the previous year.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to make sharing the road with large trucks easier.
Why Do Large Truck Collisions Occur?
The FMCSA also published the results of a national study that indicate that large truck collisions are generally attributable to driver error, vehicle failure, environmental condition, or some combination of these factors. It turns out that the improper lane changes as have all seen aren’t just scary – they are also one of the leading causes of large truck accidents. In addition, causes of large truck accidents include:
- Speeding
- Traffic congestion
- Blind spots
- Rain and other unfavorable weather conditions
- Brake problems
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Alcohol and drug use
- Unfamiliarity with roadway
- Roadway imperfections
- Failing to yield to traffic signals
- Distracted driving
- Fatigue
Tips to Help Keep You Safe
Truck drivers have to observe the laws of the road just as we all do. You should therefore call 9-1-1 anytime you witness a truck driving unsafely or if you notice that the load appears not to be secured well or is otherwise unsafe. In addition, when driving alongside large trucks ensure that you:
- Keep your distance and don’t tailgate by driving closely behind a large truck because then you can’t see what else is happening on the road.
- Don’t brake suddenly while a large truck is behind you as the vehicle may not be able to stop quickly.
- Leave a wide space any time that a large truck is making a turn.
Share Your Injury With Us So We Can Fight For You.
Victims of these kinds of accidents are entitled to money damages and compensation for time lost from work, medical bills, and other expenses whenever the negligence of a large truck led to your injuries. If you have been injured in a car accident that you suspect was caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve help from an experienced legal team. As the Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm, we have assisted clients like you in receiving compensation for serious automobile accidents caused by negligent drivers and we offer the help you need. Contact us today.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Ocala, West Palm Beach, Bradenton, Miami, Tampa, Fort Myers, Jacksonville and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2017
https://www.pendaslaw.com/your-right-to-hold-your-landlord-accountable-for-negligence/
