Four Tips for Driving Safely Around Large Trucks on Multi-Lane Highways
Driving around a large tractor trailer on a busy highway can be nerve-wracking. There is a good reason for that. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that there are nearly 6,000 fatal tractor trailer accidents in the United States each year—and a disproportionate share of them happen on highways. At Pike & Lustig, LLP, we are strong advocates for traffic safety. Here, our Miami semi-truck accident lawyer highlights four tips for driving safely under tractor trailers.
- Stay Out of a Large Truck’s Blind Spots (Do Not Linger)
Large trucks have large blind spots on all sides. It inherently makes it hard for truck drivers to see smaller vehicles that are too close. These areas are often referred to as “No Zones.” If you cannot see the truck driver’s face in the truck’s side mirror, assume they cannot see you either. While truckers are responsible for safely managing their blind spots, you do not want to end up on the wrong side of an accident.
Tip: Imagine you are driving in Florida alongside a large truck. If you find yourself alongside the truck and cannot see the driver in their mirror, speed up or slow down to move out of the blind spot.
- Leave Some Extra Space When Following a Tractor Trailer
It is difficult to see around a large commercial truck. You should always maintain a safe distance behind a tractor trailer. Doing so gives you more time to react if the truck stops suddenly. Trucks also block your view of the road ahead—so staying back will help you see better.
Tip: Stay further behind a commercial truck. If a truck suddenly brakes because of traffic or an obstacle, you will need enough space to stop safely without rear-ending the truck or swerving.
- Always Pass Large Trucks on the Left
Trucks have larger blind spots on their right side, so passing on the left is safer. Even if you are on a three-lane or four-lane highway, you will want to avoid passing trucks on the right whenever possible. Around large trucks, it is especially important to follow the general rule of keeping to the left to pass vehicles on multi-lane roads.
Tip: Be careful and pass a truck quickly and clearly on the left. By doing so, it will help to ensure that the truck driver can easily see you.
- Anticipate that a Wide Turn Could Happen
Large commercial trucks make wide turns. You would expect this not to be much of a problem on major highways as trucks are supposed to maintain their lane. However, unfortunately, there are some cases in which truckers improperly allow their trailer to drift across lanes.
Tip: Take exact safety precautions when entering or in a turn on a highway. If possible, try not to ride directly next to a large truck.
Contact Our Miami, FL Truck Accident Attorney Today for a Free Case Review
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Miami semi-truck accident lawyers are standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. If you were seriously hurt in a crash with a commercial truck, we are here to help. Contact us today for a no cost review and assessment of your case. With a law office in Miami, our firm fights for the rights of truck accident victims throughout Florida.
Source:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/
