Tips for Safe Driving When Sharing the Road with Large Trucks

Large trucks are not only bigger than most other vehicles on the road; they are also much heavier, especially a double-trailer carrying a full load.

Here are some problems with large trucks:

Hard to Stop

A truck doing 65 mph may need up to 200 yards to stop in an emergency. That is about the same length as two football fields. Trucks may go out of control when traveling down a steep incline. The brakes may fail to slow the truck or stop it properly.

If you or your vehicle is in that pathway when a truck is trying to stop, you might get in an accident because the truck driver can do little to avoid hitting you.

High Winds

Trucks have plenty of surface area that makes them dangerous in high winds. High winds can blow the truck over or make the driver lose control.

Blind Spots

Drivers of trucks have many blind spots where they cannot see something that is very low and in front of them, on the side, or behind. If you are following a truck and cannot see the driver in the truck’s mirrors, it is likely that the driver also cannot see you.

Tire Blowout

A tire blowout may cause a truck to go off the road or not cause that much trouble to the truck. Nevertheless, the tire pieces may hit your windshield and result in damage or cause an accident if this incident surprises you.

Wide Turns

Trucks need to swing out left to make a right turn. If something is in a blind spot, the truck may hit it. This problem may occur when a vehicle passes on the left, or a smaller vehicle is on the right side in an area that the driver cannot see in the mirror.

Driver Impairment

Besides being impaired by the use of drugs or alcohol, a truck driver may be sleepy due to exhaustion or the monotony of driving.

Safety Tips

Here are some safety tips you can follow to potentially reduce the chance of having an accident involving a large truck.

Allow Plenty of Room

Give a large truck plenty of room. Do not follow a truck too closely. If there is a truck too close behind you, consider speeding up or changing lanes to create more space between your vehicle and the truck.

Pass with Caution

It is better to pass on the left as any blind spot is smaller on that side. On a highway with multiple lanes going in each direction, when passing on the left, maintain a steady speed that will quickly get you in front of the truck. Do not cut back in front of the truck until you have passed the truck for a significant distance.

When trying to pass on a two-lane road, be aware that it takes a long time to pass, especially a double-trailer truck. You have to be very careful and be sure you can see far enough down the road to pull out to pass safely.

Call an Attorney for a Large Truck Accident

If you or a loved one are involved in an accident with a large truck, where someone is injured or killed, call an attorney at (281) 475-4535 immediately or make an appointment using the online form to get a free consultation. Accidents involving commercial trucks may be complex and may involve multiple vehicles. Having representation by an attorney is critical to successfully protecting your rights and getting the settlement you deserve.