Drivers sharing the road with a truck should make some simple steps to adjust their driving to ensure everyone’s safety, including their own, while also abiding by traffic laws.
Here are a few tips that can reduce the likelihood of accidents and will earn you the appreciation of truck drivers everywhere.
- Blind spots: Know where the blind spots are on a large truck and stay out of them whenever possible. Try not to closely follow a truck. Trucks have very long blind spots directly behind them, and tailgating will significantly increase the chances of an accident.
- Right turns: Be aware that trucks need to make very wide turns, and may need to swing out left before they’re able to turn to the right. They will not be able to see directly behind them or next to them, so you should always avoid cutting in between the truck and the shoulder on the right.
- Reverse: When a truck starts to back up it may have to block off the street to be able to complete its maneuver. Never attempt to cross behind a truck that is backing up—you’ll enter a blind spot and could cause an accident.
- Passing: Before passing a truck, check to make sure the passing lane is clear and in a legal zone. Blink headlights (especially at night) to alert the truck you are passing. If you do pass, complete the pass as quickly as possible.
- Opposite directions: When a truck is coming from the opposite direction, stay as far as possible to the side opposite them to reduce the wind turbulence and the chances of a sideswipe accident.
- Following: Keep in mind trucks are likely to have longer stopping times due to their size.
For more information about how to stay safe and prevent accidents when trucks are on the road, contact an experienced Bradenton, FL accident lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.