Millions of trucks are on the road each day, traveling millions of miles. Large trucks make up 5% of all registered vehicles and 10% of total vehicle miles traveled. And while the vast majority of those miles are uneventful, large trucks account for 9% of vehicles that are involved in fatal accidents.
If you drive on the interstate, you are sharing the roads with large trucks. We’ll show you how to avoid truck accidents on the highway.
Maintain Your Distance
One of the most effective ways to prevent road accidents with large trucks or any other kind of vehicle is to maintain a safe following distance. Large trucks need more time and distance to come to a full stop because of their weight and size.
A good rule of thumb is to leave at least one car length for every ten miles per hour you’re traveling. This distance will allow you plenty of time to react and stop safely if the large truck in front of you brakes suddenly.
Be Aware of Blind Spots
Large trucks have bigger blind spots than regular-sized vehicles. These blind spots are areas where the truck’s driver has limited visibility. These blind spots are typically directly behind, beside, and just in front of the truck.
Do not linger in these blind spots. If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in their side mirror, they probably can’t see you. Making sure you remain visible to a truck driver helps reduce the risk of an accident caused by a sudden lane change or turn.
Use Turn Signals
Sudden surprises are dangerous on the road. Use your turn signals well in advance so truck drivers know what your intentions are. Changing lanes suddenly or other erratic movements can catch large truck drivers off guard.
Making your movements predictable can help reduce the need for a large truck to make a sudden adjustment and reduce the chances of accidents.
Pass Safely
Large trucks have a bigger blind spot on their right side, so whenever possible, pass on their right side. Be sure you can see the entire cab of the truck in your rearview mirror before you merge back into the right lane.
Because large trucks need a large distance to slow down, cutting them off is extremely dangerous. Give them plenty of room, and don’t squeeze in too closely once you’ve passed.
Stay Alert
Staying alert on the highway is vital when driving among large trucks. Avoid things that will distract you, like texting, talking on the phone (even hands-free), and adjusting the radio when driving.
Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents, and even an accident at a slow speed can be catastrophic when there is a large truck involved.
Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer
Avoiding accidents with large trucks on the highway calls for awareness, courtesy to fellow drivers, and following basic safe driving practices. But even the most careful drivers may find themselves the victim of an accident which can result in injury and financial loss.
Seeking the advice of a lawyer if you have been in an accident is essential. Though Florida is a no-fault state, you may be entitled to bring a personal injury claim against the responsible parties.
Our legal team has over 40 years of experience seeking justice for our clients who have been the victims of car accidents. Our attorneys have sought and won millions of dollars for our injured clients. Don’t allow your health and legal rights to go unaddressed after a car accident.
Call 850-601-1111 to schedule a complimentary consultation with no obligations. This consultation will help you explore your legal options. Let us help you fight for fair compensation.
Mark continued his studies at Florida State University College of Law, graduating cum laude in 2008. While in law school, Mark was a member of the Journal of Land Use & Environmental Law and the Journal of Transnational Law & Policy, as well as a certified legal intern with the FSU Public Interest Law Center, where he assisted low-income clients with a wide range of family law issues. He also served as a law clerk intern to The Honorable L. Clayton Roberts of Florida’s First District Court of Appeal.
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