Steps Truckers Should Take To Pull Over Safely
While trucks are essential to society, they also pose inherent dangers. Trucks are large, heavy, and difficult to maneuver. Even a small error is enough to cause an accident that results in severe injuries or even death. One of the most critical skills for truckers is pulling over safely. Even the slightest mistake when pulling over can lead to a catastrophic accident. Whether because of a mechanical issue, an emergency, or the need for a quick rest, truck drivers must follow specific steps when pulling over to ensure their safety and the safety of other road users. Below, we discuss some key steps truckers should take when pulling over.
- Choose a Safe Location
Before a trucker pulls over, the first vital step is choosing somewhere safe to stop. Truckers should look for designated areas such as truck stops, rest stops, or highway shoulders that are wide enough to accommodate a truck without obstructing traffic. Some of the locations truckers should avoid pulling over, if possible, include narrow shoulders, curves and bends, bridges, tunnels, areas with soft shoulders, or near pedestrian crosswalks.
- Signal Intent and Slow Down Gradually
Truckers should signal their intent after identifying a safe area to pull over. Truckers should use their turn signals well in advance to alert surrounding traffic. Clear signaling helps prevent sudden movements from other drivers that could lead to confusion or result in accidents. Additionally, truck drivers should avoid coming to a sudden stop unless it is unavoidable. Instead, they should slow down gradually. Sudden stops can cause, among other things, a loss of control, tipping, or cargo to shift. Additionally, slowing down gradually allows drivers behind the truck time to adjust, reducing the risk of rear-end accidents.
- Park Properly
When a trucker has reached their chosen spot, they should ensure they park as far off the road as possible to reduce the risk of being hit by passing vehicles. Truckers should avoid parking in a way that could cause their vehicle to block visibility for other motorists. Also, truckers should leave enough room to re-enter traffic safely when ready to return to the road.
- Mark Out the Area
After pulling over, truckers should keep their hazard lights on. It is also crucial for truckers to mark out the area where the vehicle is stopped. Demarcating the area where a truck is stopped is vital at all times, but most especially at night when it might be difficult for other drivers to see the vehicle. Marking out the area can be done using safety devices such as reflective hazard signs or even flares.
- Contact Emergency Services if Necessary
When there is an immediate risk or emergency, it is crucial for truckers to contact emergency services. If, for example, a truck is leaking a flammable substance or cannot be started, it may be best for the trucker to contact emergency services.
If a trucker failed to take the necessary precautions to ensure they pulled over safely and caused an accident that resulted in you or a loved one suffering harm, they may be held liable and made to compensate you. The failure of a trucker to take steps to ensure they pull over safely may be considered negligence.
Legal Help Is Available
Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Myers, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
Source:
nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/analyses20of20rear-end20crashes20and20near-crashes20dot20hs2081020846.pdf
