Accidents that involve passenger vehicles and commercial trucks can be devastating. Because of the sheer weight and size of commercial semi-trucks, any collision involving them can result in death or victims suffering severe injuries.
If injured in an accident involving a semi-truck, a truck accident lawyer from Robert J. DeBry & Associates can help you. A truck accident lawyer from our team is here to help you get the deserved compensation after suffering a life-threatening injury or even the death of a loved one. Below are some safety tips for driving close to a semi-truck:
Fasten Your Seat Belt
Utah’s seatbelt law requires that all passengers always have their seatbelts fastened with children below eight years restrained in a booster or a car seat. A seatbelt is among the effective measures of reducing injury or death risks. Wearing one will protect you if a truck accident happens.
Steering Clear Of The Blind Spots
Commercial semi-trucks have more blind spots that block larger spaces than passenger vehicles. It is more difficult for the truck driver to see the approaching cars. If you are driving near a semi-truck, avoid being thirty feet behind or twenty feet ahead of the truck.
Give Space to The Truck
When driving close to a commercial semi-truck, always give it some space. They require more space than personal vehicles. When turning, the truck can use up to two lanes. Never try to pass a car on its right side if it hangs right. Driving too close to a semi-truck increases the probability of getting involved in an accident.
It can happen when the semi suddenly breaks, making it tip-over or your vehicle slide under the trailer. The accident can also be caused by rollovers resulting from high winds and tire blowouts that may shatter your windshield or hit your vehicle. Ensure you drive about 4 seconds behind the semi-truck to give the driver enough space and have enough time to react to the truck’s movements.
Pass Safely
Because semi-trucks need more time for stopping and maneuvering through the traffic, exercise caution whenever passing it. The driver may decrease or increase their speeds when driving uphill or downhill, do not overtake the vehicle in such areas. The truck driver can easily see you when you travel on the left. Therefore, overtake the truck on the left while signaling correctly and maintaining your speed. Keep right always when the car is passing and reduce the speed of your vehicle.
Avoid Distractions
According to FMCSA, 71% of truck accidents happen because the driver was doing something other than driving. Any distraction when driving makes you not focus on controlling your vehicle and road, endangering everyone on the road. Always stay focused on the road and avoid distractions like texting, making calls, eating, and adjusting a radio when driving.
Victims of semi-truck accidents suffer severe injuries that may result in death or permanent disability. It would be best to exercise caution when driving near a truck on the road. If you or a close friend have been involved in a semi-truck accident, contact Robert J. DeBry & Associates. Our truck accident lawyers have over 250 years of combined experience in helping victims of semi-truck accidents get their deserved compensation.