Semi-trucks are essential to the nation’s economy because they move needed goods across the country. However, their sheer size and weight pose problems as they need more room to stop, turn and maneuver than smaller vehicles.
While truck driver error causes most accidents, drivers in small vehicles often contribute to truck accidents through distracted driving or not understanding how to drive alongside large trucks on highways. Although defensive driving near semis won’t prevent all truck accidents in Dallas, learning how to share the road with semi trucks can improve your chances of not being seriously hurt in a wreck and may even save your life.
5 Tips for Driving Near Semi-Trucks
1. Stay Out of a Truck’s Blind Zones
All four sides of large commercial trucks have blind zones that drivers should avoid. Generally, if you cannot see the truck driver’s face in the side mirror, the driver cannot see you. Blind zones are as follows:
- 30 feet behind the truck
- 20 feet in front
- Two lanes to the right
- One lane to the left
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Staying entirely out of a truck’s blind spots, especially when passing on the left, is impossible. However, you should move out of these zones as quickly as possible to avoid the truck merging on top of you.
2. Keep a safe distance
This tip goes hand-in-hand with avoiding a truck’s blind spots. When you drive too close to a semi, no matter what side you’re on, you risk being hurt by sudden stops or other mishaps.
Leave plenty of room for swerving and maneuvering for both you and the truck. When behind a semi, keep at least a four-second following distance in case of a sudden stop. This practice allows you to maneuver safely while also allowing plenty of room for the truck driver to do the same.
3. Never Cut Off a Truck Driver
Suddenly pulling in front of a semi-truck is one of the most dangerous maneuvers you can perform. As trucks take much longer to stop than most other vehicles, cutting in front of a large truck can put a variety of scenarios into play, with none having a good outcome.
Cutting off a truck can result in serious multi-vehicle accidents and more. Don’t do it because if you do, you’ll need the services of a personal injury lawyer to help you fight stubborn insurance companies for maximum recovery.
4. Dim Your Lights
Driving on dark nights can increase your chances of injury. Dim your brights when approaching a truck, as bright lights reflecting off dark mirrors can cause two to more seconds of temporary blindness.
Lower your headlight intensity when you are at least a block away from a semi, as you don’t want to blind the driver or make it more difficult for the truck to maneuver.
5. Follow all the Rules of the Road
When traveling at high speeds, everything happens much more quickly. Remember to signal when changing lanes, as trucks need more time to accommodate your wish. Make sure your turn signal is on for at least three seconds.
The faster you drive, the more difficult it becomes to avoid hazards. Attempt to carefully follow the rules of the road as that will make your behavior more predictable.
Contact Genthe Law Firm After You’ve Been Injured in a Truck Accident
Sometimes, no matter what you do, you can’t avoid an accident with a semi-truck. When catastrophic injuries occur, you need to protect your interests. The personal injury attorneys at Genthe Law Firm will work diligently with you to uncover negligent behavior and get you the injury compensation you deserve.
We will even offer you our Genthe Guarantee, which means you don’t pay us until we recover for you. Schedule your free consultation today!
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