Drivers need to practice defensive driving techniques when driving a large truck. The blind spots on most commercial trucks are larger than the ones on passenger cars, so it’s critical to limit the amount of time they spend in these areas.
Too much time in these areas can lead to a truck accident. Experienced truck drivers also practice extra caution when making turns. Checking your truck’s mirrors is an essential part of safe driving.
Wide Turns
When making a wide turn, it is important to stay alert for oncoming traffic and to avoid making a sudden left turn. Most of these accidents happen when a driver misjudges the lane’s width and the oncoming traffic.
In these situations, the truck driver making the wide turn is usually at fault. Before turning, the driver must wait until all oncoming traffic has cleared the intersection. Failure to make a safe turn can be considered negligence and lead to a serious accident.
Drivers must always give extra space when making wide turns because truck cabs are larger and require more space to turn. If you feel squeezed by a turning truck, call a Tractor trailer injury attorney for help. These attorneys have extensive knowledge and experience with large-rig accidents and can help you pursue compensation.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can result in a variety of accidents, including truck accidents. Drivers may use a GPS device to plan their route or a handheld entertainment device during a break. Some drivers may turn to these distractions out of boredom or necessity.
Regardless of the reason, distracted driving increases the risk of an accident and can increase insurance costs. Distracted driving laws are designed to prevent these risks.
Distractions can be in many forms, including visual and auditory. One of the most common ways a driver becomes distracted is by glancing at an advertisement or taking their eyes off the road. Unfortunately, even the slightest interruption can result in an accident.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a major factor in many truck accidents, so drivers must pay attention to their sleep patterns. Fatigued drivers are more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel, compromising their reaction time and ability to prevent collisions. Truck drivers should take short breaks throughout the day and drink lots of water.
Fatigue causes shortfalls in performance, including slower reaction times, poor decision-making, and attention failure. All of these factors increase crash risk. Some ways to minimize truck driver fatigue include establishing restrictions on service hours and reducing truck driver stress. However, the relationship between fatigue and crashes is complicated by other dynamics.
Intoxication
One of the best ways to avoid a truck accident is to avoid drinking while driving. Drivers spend a lot of time on the road and are often under pressure to deliver their loads on time. As a result, they may become intoxicated. In some cases, this can result in them using prescription medications. Ultimately, this can cause them to be negligent and cause an accident.
Truck drivers also need to understand the consequences of driving drunk. The law makes it illegal to drive a large truck while intoxicated. Also, truck drivers must be focused on the road at all times. Driving drunk puts other drivers on the road in even more danger because of the truck’s weight.
Blind Spots
When driving a commercial truck, you must be aware of your surroundings. Because trucks are so large, their blind spots are much larger than that of a passenger vehicle, so drivers need to limit the time they stay in these areas. The longer you stay in these blind spots, the greater the risk of a truck accident. Even experienced truck drivers may not see you in their blind spots, so it’s crucial to check your mirrors often.
Drivers should never pass a large truck without giving it enough room to stop. Truck drivers don’t see the sides of the road, and they often won’t make a full stop in time. It’s also essential to give trucks enough clearance to turn, so never cut in front of one.
Predictability
Predictability is an important safety strategy drivers should practice to prevent truck accidents. Drivers must be predictable while operating their rig, especially when turning or changing lanes. Also, they should always use their turn signals to alert other drivers of their intentions. Changing lanes without signaling is also unsafe and can result in a collision.
In addition to driver predictability, truck drivers must be aware of the weather conditions. Since storms can form quickly, driving in bad weather can be dangerous. Keeping up with weather alerts on your phone will help you stay safe. While many truck drivers often outdo other drivers when it comes to truck accidents, truckers must still be responsible for their safety and the safety of other drivers.
Preventing Collisions
One of the most effective ways of preventing truck accidents is to maintain the equipment on your truck. Whether you have a tractor-trailer or a large commercial truck, the right equipment can make a huge difference in the safety of everyone on the road. Truck drivers should also pay attention to speed limits. The higher the speed of a vehicle, the more difficult it is to stop in time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to reduce the risk of an accident, keep driver fatigue to a minimum and practice predictable driving behavior. Large trucks weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds and are often carrying hazardous materials. In addition, truck drivers must adhere to federal rules regarding how much time they can spend driving. Studies show that ten percent of truck accidents result from tired drivers.
