Driving around semi trucks can be intimidating and dangerous, especially if you’re not aware of the safety precautions that should be taken. To help you stay safe when sharing the road with semi trucks, a truck accident lawyer from Cashio Injury Attorneys has provided 5 key tips for driving safely around them.
Avoid Blind Spots
Blind spots are generally located on the sides and rear of the truck and can be difficult to see around. If you cannot see the truck driver in the side or rearview mirror, then they likely cannot see you. It is best to stay away from these spots if possible and make sure you know where they are located before you get too close to a truck. Be extra cautious when passing and stay as far away from the truck as possible. Give yourself plenty of room and do not linger in any of the blind spots.
Don’t Cut Them Off
Semi trucks take much longer to slow down and stop than smaller vehicles, so you must give them plenty of time and distance to do so safely. If you have to merge in front of a semi truck, make sure you give yourself plenty of time and space to do so without endangering yourself or the truck driver. When merging, it’s also a good idea to check your rearview mirror to make sure the truck driver has seen you and is aware that you are merging. It’s also important to make sure the truck driver has enough room to slow down and stop if necessary.
Use Your Signals
Even if there doesn’t seem to be any traffic around, you should let other drivers know which direction you are going in. This is especially important when turning in front of or behind a semi-truck. Give the driver plenty of time to adjust their speed and move over if necessary. Your turn signals can help prevent an accident by giving the truck driver enough time to react appropriately. Make sure your turn signals are working properly and that you use them every time you plan on changing lanes or making a turn.
Don’t Tailgate
Tailgating is a dangerous practice that should be avoided at all times, especially when driving near semi-trucks. Semi-trucks are longer and heavier than passenger vehicles, which means that they take more time to accelerate and stop. If you tailgate a semi-truck, you may not have enough time to stop if the truck brakes suddenly. Additionally, if the truck makes a sudden lane change, it could lead to an accident if you’re too close. It’s best to give semi-trucks plenty of room, and make sure that you maintain a safe following distance of at least five seconds or more.
Give Them Room
Semi trucks need much more room to maneuver than smaller cars and they have large blind spots that can be difficult to see from the driver’s perspective. Give semi trucks extra room when passing, merging, or changing lanes. Maintain a safe distance of several car lengths and do not try to speed up or pass them if there isn’t enough room to safely do so. Be patient and wait for a larger gap in traffic before attempting to pass a semi truck.
We hope these tips keep you safe, but if you find yourself in an accident, contact a truck accident lawyer in your area immediately for help.