Safe Driving Near Semi-Trucks and Tractor Trailers
by: Marya Sieminski on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 at: 2:01 PM Go to: Previous Article Next Article
Due to the size of semi-trucks and tractor trailers, and the dangerous loads they may carry, crashes involving these huge commercial trucks can be life- threatening " or even deadly. Many automobile drivers are unsure about the safest way to share the road with trucks, and may under- estimate the limitations on truck acceleration, braking, and visibility.
Some of the special risks that motorists encounter if driving near large trucks include:
Driving in the areas behind and beside a commercial truck where the truck driver has limited or zero visibility, otherwise known as the No-Zones.
Abruptly changing lanes in front of a truck.
Maneuvering to the right of a truck that is making a right turn.
Turning left in front of an approaching truck at an intersection and misjudging the truck's speed.
Merging into traffic too quickly and forcing a truck driver to try to brake quickly or swerve out of the way.
Unsafe passing, particularly passing with insufficient headway.
Misjudging air turbulence or crosswind if passing a truck and being blown out of position.
Driving between large trucks.
Abandoning a vehicle too close to a travel lane, or failing to get a disabled vehicle completely off the highway.
Motor cyclists are particularly vulnerable if driving near large trucks, and should also take the following safety measures:
Attend safety training.
Wear U.S. Department of Transportation approved protective gear all the time.
Ride within your own skill limits.
Take refresher courses to improve your riding skills.
Before each ride, conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle.
Drive more slowly, particularly in bad weather or at night.
On the highway, all motorists need to use extra care if changing lanes, merging, and maintaining adequate distance from semi-trucks and tractor-trailers. Here are some more important steps that you can take on the road to ensure your safety:
Stay out of a trucks blind spot. About 35 percent of all fatal accidents with large trucks occur in a blind spot, where cars and motorcycles temporarily disappear from the truck drivers view. To stay visible, try not to linger near large trucks. Instead, either move past or slow down to back off and get out of the trucks blind spot.
Keep your distance. Stay 20 car lengths behind a truck, so you have time to react to any changes in the road ahead, including debris or accidents. Keep the trucks mirrors in your sight at all times.
Be sure to leave ample distance before pulling in front of a truck. Fully loaded trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds and take the length of a football field to stop. Never cut in front of a truck.
Make sure you can see both of the trucks headlights in your rearview mirror if changing lanes.
Allow trucks adequate space to maneuver. At intersections, trucks often make wide turns and may use additional lanes, so give a turning truck plenty of space.
About the Author
At the Bernstein Law Firm, our experienced truck accident attorneys are dedicated to protecting the legal rights of Michigan truck accident victims. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in Michigan, contact us to get a free confidential legal consultation today.
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