Tips For Safe Driving Around Large Trucks

 Posted on March 21, 2019 in Car Accidents

Many drivers do not like driving near semi-trailer trucks and other large trucks. The sheer size of the vehicles make normal passenger vehicles feel minuscule in comparison, so it is understandable that many people would be nervous around them. The weight of a semi-trailer or large truck is much more than an average passenger vehicle as well. Weight affects a vehicle’s behavior in a number of ways, including less maneuverability, greater stopping time and distance, and more impact if something is struck by the truck. These factors all combine to make their involvement in automobile accidents something to be wary of when you are a driver because they can cause serious injury or death. Drivers can follow some simple best practices when around semi-trucks or other large vehicles to lessen the likelihood of involvement in a collision.

Keep Calm

Often when passenger vehicles drive around large trucks, they get frustrated about how long it takes trucks to accelerate and brake. It is important to keep in mind that large vehicles are not going to be able to accelerate or brake as fast as your vehicle when they can weigh 20-30 times what your vehicle does.

Wide Turns Will Happen

When driving around large trucks, keep in mind that they need to take a wider turn than your vehicle. The length of their vehicle does not allow them to make sharp turns, so they need to compensate for that length by swinging around, sometimes in other lanes. Watching out for any large trucks or buses that are swinging wide to turn will prevent an accidental collision.

Be Aware of Blind Spots

Trucks have much larger blind spots than normal passenger vehicles because of how long they are. A truck can not see you when you are right up behind it, when you are in certain positions to the sides of it, and when you are right in front of it. Keeping out of their blind spots for as long as possible will also help prevent collisions.

Contact a DuPage County Personal Injury Attorney

Accidents do happen, even if you take steps to prevent them. If negligence leads to hospital bills or a totaled vehicle, you may need to pursue compensation for the damages. The lawyers at The Law Offices of David W. Clark, P.C. have years of experience in personal injury cases and will be able to help you with your case. Our caring Bloomingdale car collision lawyers understand the complex area of personal injury cases and want to help you today. If you would like to set up a free initial consultation, please contact us at 630-665-5678.

Source:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/tips-driving-safely-around-large-trucks-or-buses