Tips for Avoiding Accidents with Commercial Trucks

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) indicates that commercial truck accidents account for 98 percent of traffic fatalities involving automobile drivers annually.  This is true because trucks are responsible for over 500,000 accidents a year.

Some common tips to avoid accidents with commercial trucks include:

1. Use your defensive driving skills and keep an eye out for bad drivers or those who are not obeying traffic laws.
2. Observe your blind spot.  Be sure to stay out of a truck's blind spots.  Do not drive alongside a large truck except when passing.  If you cannot see the truck driver in the truck's side mirror's, he most likely cannot see you.
3. Drive responsibly by not texting or talking on the cell phone while driving.  Eliminate all distractive habits and do not drive aggressively with road rage to reduce the risk of being in an accident with a commercial truck.  If a trucker is driving aggressively, slow down and let him pass.
4. Try to expect the unexpected.  It is important to not only keep your distance from trucks on the road, but also other drivers that may cause accidents. Keep in mind that trucks often have tire blow outs that send all or most of their tires into the road around them.  When driving behind a large commercial truck it is best to keep a safe distance behind to avoid any accident resulting from a blown out tire.
5. Maintain a safe distance from large commercial trucks at all times as they cannot brake or accelerate as quickly as passenger vehicles can.  Do not tailgate a large truck.
6. Be on the lookout for a truck's turn signals, brake lights, and backup lights.  Large trucks need to make wide, slow turns that may involve stopping and backing up.  They also can not stop quickly.  Giving them enough room to maneuver will help to avoid a collision.
7. Notify the proper authorities if you notice a truck driver driving recklessly or aggressively.
8. If you have to stop on a highway, pull completely off the road.

Driving cautiously and patiently while working to avoid an accident is the best way to keep you and your family safe.  If you do find yourself involved in an accident contact a truck accident attorney at Gordon & Elias, L.L.P. to help you receive justice and the reparations you are entitled to.