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Maximizing Your Safety on the Road: Tips for Driving Around Large Trucks and Commercial Vehicles

Published

12 months ago

May 18, 2023

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Inexperienced drivers, in particular, run a huge danger while driving alongside heavy trucks and commercial vehicles. Possible collisions involving these vehicles can cause serious injuries or even fatalities.

Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the risks associated with driving close to these heavy vehicles and to implement the necessary safety precautions.

In this post, we’ll provide you with sound advice on how to stay as safe as possible while driving around large trucks and other commercial vehicles. This can help you lower the risk of accidents and ensure safe driving by paying attention to the recommendations.

Whether you’re a new or experienced driver, it’s essential to understand these risks. In the event of an accident, you should contact a trusted truck accident attorney for legal guidance. Let’s get started!!

For tips on maximizing your safety while driving around large trucks and commercial vehicles, it’s crucial to ensure you have adequate protection. Consider exploring options for cheap commercial truck insurance in Texas through this resource to safeguard yourself on the road.

Table of Contents

Understand the Risks for Road Accidents

When driving in close proximity to large trucks and commercial vehicles, it is important to stay alert to the dangers. Important factors, such as the following, increase the probability of accidents:

Blind Spots

Heavy trucks and commercial vehicles have broader blind zones than passenger cars, making it more difficult for drivers to see other vehicles on the road.

Always stay clear of these blind spots, particularly whenever a truck is turning or changing lanes.

Stopping Distance

Due to their size and weight, large trucks and commercial vehicles need longer stopping distances than passenger automobiles do.

Drivers should keep a safe distance from these vehicles in order to give themselves adequate time to halt and avoid sudden stops or lane changes.

Turn Radius

Compared to passenger cars, large trucks and commercial vehicles have a wider turn radius, which means they need more space to turn. Drivers must be aware of this and refrain from overtaking trucks as they turn.

Causes of Truck Accidents and Why You Need Auto Accident Lawyers

Some of the most frequent causes of crashes involving big trucks and commercial vehicles are driver weariness, speeding, distracted driving, and equipment failure. It is essential for drivers to stay aware of these variables, and use extra caution when driving close to such vehicles.

Tips for Safety When Driving Close to Large Trucks

Although it might be challenging to drive alongside huge trucks and commercial vehicles, you can reduce your risk of being involved in an accident by taking a few simple safety measures.

The following are some essential pointers for staying safe when driving close to these sorts of vehicles:

1. Observe From a Distance

Keep a safe distance from the car ahead of you to prevent crashes. To maintain a safe following distance behind a truck or commercial vehicle, you should count to three after it passes a fixed object before you reach the same point. This is the recommended following distance of three seconds.

2. Stay Visible to the Truck Drivers

It’s crucial to remain visible to the driver since commercial vehicles and heavy trucks have significant blind zones. Assume the driver cannot see you if you are unable to see the car’s mirrors. Give them enough room when turning or changing lanes and try to steer clear of driving in their blind areas.

3. Proceed With Care

Overtaking a truck should only be done carefully. Before changing lanes, give yourself plenty of room and provide lots of early warning. Keep your speed constant and avoid lingering in other drivers’ blind regions when passing.

4. Watch for Turning Vehicles

Keep in mind that large trucks and commercial vehicles need extra room to turn. Never try to squeeze between a truck or other commercial vehicle as they are turning, and avoid bypassing them.

5. Be Alert Always

Driver fatigue, speeding, and distracted driving are the three leading causes of accidents involving trucks and commercial vehicles.

Always keep your eyes on the road and the area around you. Avoid taking extended trips; it can lead to fatigue. If you are part of a long haul trucking company, then make sure to use Route4Trucks – Truck GPS App to plan your route, so you can finish your trip safely and on time.

Don’t do the following:

Talk on the phone
Listen to loud music
Eat while you’re driving.

6. Remain Calm

Finally, when driving close to huge trucks and commercial vehicles, maintain your composure and patience. In addition to moving more slowly than passenger automobiles, these vehicles may also take longer to respond to rapid changes. Slow down and allow them plenty of room if you find yourself in a perilous scenario.

By following the advice given here, you may lessen the risks associated with driving close to heavy trucks and commercial vehicles, making driving safer for you and other road users.

Steps to Take If There’s a Road Mishap

Accidents may happen despite taking all the appropriate safety precautions. It’s critical to know what to do if you experience an accident around large trucks or commercial vehicles. Have these important tips in mind.

1. Remain Calm And Assess the Situation

After an accident, it’s critical to remain calm and evaluate the situation. Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries, then dial 911 straight away. Move your car as far to the side of the road as it is safe to do so in order to avoid any further crashes.

2. Exchange Information

Share information with the driver of the other vehicle, including names, phone numbers, insurance information, and the name and contact information for the trucking firm. If possible, record the scene with photographs and witness testimony.

3. Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer

It is essential to get in touch with a truck accident attorney right away if you are involved in an accident with a large truck or commercial vehicle. These experts can defend your legal rights and guide you through the challenging process of interacting with insurance, trucking, and judicial systems.

4. Seek Medical Attention

Even though you feel good, it is crucial to get medical help following an accident with a large truck or commercial vehicle. Even if an injury isn’t immediately obvious, it’s important to record it for insurance and legal reasons.

Bottom Line

Although driving near large trucks and commercial vehicles might be challenging, you can reduce your risk of getting in an accident by being aware of the risks and taking the necessary precautions.

Keep an eye out for your blind spots at all times, maintain a safe distance, and move gently while turning or changing lanes. If you find yourself in a collision with a huge truck or commercial vehicle, it’s crucial to keep your composure and take the steps outlined in the preceding section.

You may drive safely and confidently by being prepared and paying attention to your surroundings. When assistance is required, don’t be reluctant to ask for it; always put your safety and that of others around you first.

You can safeguard your legal rights with a truck accident attorney- You can be guided through the challenging legal procedure once you get in touch with the lawyer for a truck accident.

Above all, keep in mind that driving responsibly is essential for everyone’s safety on the road as well as your personal safety. Drive carefully, and enjoy the journey.