With millions of trucks on the road every day, chances are that you will encounter one as you drive. It can be intimidating to navigate around trucks, and dangerous, too.
As a driver, you need to take extra precautions whenever you drive near a commercial truck. It is not business as usual. For instance, they have a longer stopping distance and are not easily maneuverable. Averting an accident requires a quick reaction sometimes, which is not possible with trucks. To be on the safe side, here are some tips to observe.
Avoid truck blind spots
The rule of thumb is that a vehicles’ blindspot is proportional to its size. The blind spots are more prominent with trucks, and you need to be wary of them. Do not drive too close to the truck since you might not be visible to the driver. Remember, if you can’t see the driver through their rearview mirrors, the chances are that they cannot see you either.
Look out for wide turns
Trucks require more room when making turns, and you need to give them space. Do not attempt to overtake a truck with their turn signal on since the driver might need to swing into your lane when making the turn.
Avoid distractions
This is a no-brainer. Ensure that all your attention is on the road and that you are aware of the environment around you. Driver distraction increases the risk of a crash and should be avoided whenever you are behind the wheel.
Be prepared
A negligent truck driver can still cause an accident despite your actions to protect yourself. Therefore, it is crucial to be prepared for such eventualities. If you find yourself in an accident with a truck, you need to safeguard your legal rights by taking proper steps.
Trucking accidents may bring some complexities you would not expect in a standard crash, like the possibility of multiple liable parties. Anticipating such legal challenges is in your best interests when it comes to getting compensation for injuries or damage to property.