How to Stay Safe Sharing the Road with Tractor Trailers
There are a couple of different aspects to keep in mind while sharing the roads with tractor-trailers. Below are some tips to keep top of mind when driving.
- Do Not Follow Closely- Trucks need more time and distance to stop. Do not follow a tractor-trailer too closely.
- Give Enough Space When Passing – If you want to pass a tractor-trailer, make sure that you can fully see the tractor-trailer far enough away in your rear-view mirror before making a lane change.
- Be Aware of Blind Spots – Know that tractor-trailers have large blind spots around their vehicles where they cannot see you. Remember if you can’t see a driver in their mirrors, they likely can’t see you. You should stay away from these areas.
- Practice Proper Passing- Do not try and speed up if a truck is about to come into your lane and then slow down. The truck may not see you and will not be able to slow down. Wait until you can safely pass it later.
- Be Careful When Trucks Are Turning- Trucks will need to make very wide turns. If you are behind a truck that is signaling it will turn, pay attention, and leave enough space.
The Danger of Tractor Trailers
Tractor-trailers have many features that make them inherently more dangerous on the roads. Below are some of the reasons that tractor-trailers are more prone to accidents:
- Size – Tractor-trailers weigh up to 30x more than cars. Therefore, a crash with a tractor trailer will cause significant damage to a car and its occupants.
- Breaking Distance – Tractor trailers that are full of cargo need 20-40X more of a braking distance to stop than cars.
- Blind Spots – Tractor-trailers have large blind spots where they cannot see other vehicles.
- Driver Fatigue – Driver fatigue is a major issue as tractor-trailer drivers can drive for up to 11 hours straight.
While cars bring an inherent risk due to their size and weight, trucks and tractor-trailers carry an even greater risk. That’s why John Gore, attorney at Caddell Reynolds, visited the set of Good Day NWA to discuss safety tips when sharing the roads with tractor-trailers. A video clip of his appearance is available below.
Caddell Reynolds Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a big truck accident due to the negligence of another, the experienced and compassionate Personal Injury Attorneys at Caddell Reynolds can help you and your family to move forward.
