Commercial trucks are dangerous, especially on the roads. This is because they are huge and have more power. Truck accidents can cause bodily harm. They can even lead to death. Lawsuits from truck accidents can cost you a lot of money. That’s why you should learn how to avoid these accidents. Don’t drive during bad weather. Drive carefully. Involved in an accident? Well, hire excellent Truck Accident Lawyers in Connecticut. Here are the top ways of preventing truck accidents.
Stay Away From Blind Spots
Typically, a commercial truck has more blind spots. Thus, be careful when driving your truck. Preferably, consider staying away from blind spots. Blind spots will make it hard for you to see. You will have an obstructed view. Viewing the truck behind you can be difficult. Thus, allow more space between your truck and the incoming one. Don’t stay too close. Plus, allowing space gives you sufficient time to react in case of any issue.
Be Cautious When Passing
Don’t pass an incoming truck carelessly. Take caution. Remember, it’s hard for large trucks to stop abruptly. As a truck driver, you need additional time to stop. Avoid passing these trucks during the uphill and downhill. Remember, trucks can increase speed abruptly. Drive with a lot of care when passing trucks.
When approaching a truck, you intend to overtake, don’t do it from the left side. Here, the driver will easily see you. Consider maintaining the right speed. Leverage the right signals. Avoid merging into the normal lane just upfront of a commercial truck.
Don’t try to overtake a speeding truck. Give it time to pass. Maintain your lane. Don’t panic. Be careful when approaching a blind spot.
Issue Clear Signals
Don’t change lanes carelessly. Indicate before changing lanes. Use the signs correctly. For instance, if you are looking to pass or turn, provide clear signs. Doing so helps other drivers learn your intentions. They will have sufficient time to adjust. Remember, changing lanes suddenly without a signal can lead to accidents.
Allow Sufficient Distance Between Your Car and Trucks
Don’t stay too close to trucks. Long trucks can be dangerous, especially if you stay too close to them. They can put you in danger. Things like tire blowouts, sudden braking, high winds, etc. can increase the chances of causing a collision. Thus, give trucks sufficient distance.
Avoid passing right-turning tricks. Of course, you may spot a gap. However, passing such a truck can result in an accident. The truck can hit you or strap your car because of the limited space.
Consider Lowering The Brights
Consider lowering your brights. It will reflect the larger side mirrors of your truck. Lowering these lights brings down the beam, helping other motorists to drive without issues. High beam lighting can cause accidents because they irritate the eyes of the other drivers. They can blind the other driver and lead to collisions.
Don’t Drink
As a truck driver, you are not allowed to drink and drive. The commercial license you hold is strict when it comes to intoxication. Your Blood Alcohol Concentration should not be higher than 0.04 percent. If your BAC is higher than 0.04, you will be arrested. This, avoid alcohol when driving.
If you have to drink, do it at home. You can wait until off days to take your favorite bottle. Respect the traffic laws. Respect your driving license. It’s all about respecting your job.
Merge Cautiously
When merging, do it carefully. Slow down first. Don’t merge too quickly. Observe the actions of the other drivers. Decelerate if you notice an approaching truck. Avoid any distractions when merging. Use the signals correctly.
Stay Away From Distractions
According to research findings, distracted driving is one of the biggest causes of truck accidents. Distracted driving happens when you use your phone when driving. Eating while driving is also another form of distracted driving. Don’t engage in activities that consume your mind. You need total focus. Don’t drink while driving. Don’t talk to your passengers while driving. The bottom line is to have full concentration.
Vehicle Maintenance
Poorly maintained roads can also cause accidents. For instance, potholes can lead to deadly accidents. The same applies to worn-out tires due to poorly maintained roads. Use the right roads. Avoid poorly maintained roads. Use alternative routes. Also, maintain your truck from time to time. Replace worn-out tires with new ones. Check the brakes and ensure that they are working properly when using poor roads.
Wrong Cargo Loading
Use the right cargo loading method. Ensure that your cargo is loaded properly. Poorly loaded cardo can fall and cause serious consequences. In particular, cargo can fall at high speeds.
Ensure that your cargo is fastened properly. Check to ensure that it fits into the truck (it should not protrude). Take time to ensure that the cargo is fastened properly.
Bad Weather
Roads tend to slide during heavy rains. Avoid hitting the road during heavy rain. Don’t drive during adverse weather conditions like poor visibility, snow, etc. Wait for the weather to normalize first. Also, salted roads can cause accidents. This is because the driver will find it hard to stop the truck on salted roads. Also, don’t drive at night. Night driving is associated with poor visibility. Plus, if your vision capability is not optimal, don’t hit the road at night.
Choose A Licensed Attorney
Of course, you can take all the precautions. However, accidents can happen. In this case, contact the right attorney. Select a truck collision attorney to represent you in court. Court cases, especially those relating to truck accidents, can be complex. They require an experienced lawyer. Hire the right lawyer today for the best legal representation.
The Bottom-Line
Trucks are huge. They come with more power. That’s why they pose a lot of dangers on the road. A truck accident case can cost a lot of money. Besides injuring others, a truck accident can kill someone. Thus, avoid these accidents. Don’t drive on blind spots. Follow the speed limit. Stay away from aggressive driving. Use the above tips and tricks to prevent truck-related collisions.
Photo by Kelly M. Lacy
