How To Safely Share the Road with Commercial Trucks

Driving on the road can be a challenge for even the most experienced drivers but sharing the road with commercial trucks requires extra caution and awareness. Accidents involving commercial trucks are different from traditional auto accidents. To begin with, the impact between a car and a flatbed truck or 18-wheeler is far more catastrophic (and often deadlier) than a collision between two average-sized vehicles. Additionally, because the trucking industry is highly regulated, drivers are held accountable for their conduct on the road. If you were involved in an accident with a large truck, it is crucial that you get a truck accident attorney who understands the many state and federal guidelines affecting the industry.

In a previous article, we provided some tips on how to stay safe when sharing the road with commercial trucks. We discussed the importance of leaving enough space, avoiding blind spots, using turn signals, being patient, and being aware of the truck’s movements. In this article, we will provide additional tips and strategies to help you stay safe when sharing the road with commercial trucks.

Stay Alert and Aware

One of the most important things you can do when driving near commercial trucks is to stay alert and aware of your surroundings. This means avoiding distracted driving. It’s also important to scan the road ahead for potential hazards, including other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles. Pay attention to weather and road conditions, as well as any construction or road work that may affect traffic flow. Finally, keep an eye on other drivers, especially commercial truck drivers who may have limited visibility or difficulty maneuvering in traffic.

Avoid Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents involving commercial trucks. Drivers who are distracted by their phones, food, or other distractions are at a higher risk of colliding with a large truck. To avoid distracted driving, put your phone away, eat before or after your trip, and avoid other distractions while driving.

Scan the Road Ahead for Potential Hazards

When driving near commercial trucks, it’s important to scan the road ahead for potential hazards. This includes other vehicles, pedestrians, animals, and obstacles on the road. Scanning the road ahead can help you anticipate potential hazards and avoid dangerous situations.

Pay Attention to Weather and Road Conditions

Weather and road conditions can affect the safety of driving near commercial trucks. Be aware of conditions such as rain, snow, and ice, which can make it difficult for trucks to stop or maneuver. Also, be aware of construction and road work, which can affect traffic flow and increase the risk of accidents.

Keep an Eye on Other Drivers

When driving near commercial trucks, it’s important to keep an eye on other drivers, especially truck drivers who may have limited visibility or difficulty maneuvering in traffic. Be aware of their movements and anticipate potential hazards.

Anticipate Potential Hazards

Another key strategy for staying safe around commercial trucks is to anticipate potential hazards and take proactive steps to avoid dangerous situations. This means understanding truck stopping distances and allowing plenty of space between your vehicle and the truck ahead. It also means watching for turning and merging trucks, which may require additional space or time to make a maneuver. In heavy traffic, it’s important to give trucks plenty of space and avoid cutting in front of them or weaving in and out of lanes. When passing or being passed by a truck, be cautious and avoid sudden movements that could startle the driver.

Understand Truck Stopping Distances

Large trucks have much longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. It’s important to understand these distances and allow plenty of space between your vehicle and the truck ahead.

Watch for Turning and Merging Trucks

Turning and merging trucks can be especially hazardous, as they may require additional space or time to make a maneuver. Watch for turning and merging trucks and give them plenty of space to maneuver.

Give Trucks Plenty of Space in Heavy Traffic

In heavy traffic, it’s important to give trucks plenty of space and avoid cutting in front of them or weaving in and out of lanes. This can cause the truck driver to lose control of their vehicle and lead to a serious accident.

Be Cautious When Passing or Being Passed by a Truck

When passing or being passed by a truck, be cautious and avoid sudden movements that could startle the driver. Also, be aware of wind gusts and other factors that can affect the stability of the truck.

Avoid Dangerous Situations

Dangerous situations can arise when sharing the road with commercial trucks. These include cutting off a truck, lingering in a truck’s blind spots, sudden lane changes or braking, and failing to yield to a truck when merging or changing lanes. To avoid these situations, never cut off a truck and give them plenty of space. Avoid lingering in a truck’s blind spots, and avoid sudden lane changes or braking. Finally, be sure to yield to any trucks in the adjacent lane when merging or changing lanes.

Myths and Misconceptions

There are several myths and misconceptions about driving near commercial trucks that can lead to unsafe behavior on the road. One common misconception is that all truck drivers are reckless or aggressive. While there may be some drivers who engage in unsafe behavior, the vast majority of truck drivers are responsible and safe. Another misconception is that trucks can stop just as quickly as passenger vehicles. In reality, it can take a fully loaded truck up to twice as long to come to a stop as a car traveling at the same speed. Finally, it’s important to remember that all vehicles have a right to be on the road, including commercial trucks. Drivers should be respectful of all vehicles, including trucks, and avoid aggressive or unsafe behavior that could lead to an accident.

Accidents Happen

If you’re ever involved in an accident with a commercial truck, it’s important to contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Truck accidents can be complex, and an attorney can help you navigate the legal process and recover the compensation you deserve. At Beers & Gordon, our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to handle all types of truck accident cases. We understand the unique challenges of these cases and are dedicated to helping our clients recover the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact Beers & Gordon for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal options and determine the best course of action for your case.