Follow these safety tips to avoid getting involved in a car accident with a semi-truck.
When you get into an accident with another vehicle, the severity often depends on two primary metrics: Size and speed. When one or both of the cars are going fast, the crashes are often much more severe. The same goes for vehicles that are especially heavy. If you’re driving an economy car and the other driver has an SUV, you are at a much greater risk. The ultimate example of this is semi-trucks, which are often 10-20 times heavier than conventional vehicles. Given how damaging semi-truck accidents can be, it is best to consult with a St. Louis auto accident attorney if you ever get into one. On the other hand, if you follow our safety tips, you might never have to.
Stay Away From Blind Spots
Though trucks are generally built with mirrors that show blind spots, these areas are still an unsafe place to be in. This is due to two reasons. First, the driver might not see you and accidentally change lanes into your vehicle. Second, if there is danger in front of the semi, they could perform an evasive maneuver that ends in a collision with you.
Get Some Space
Whether you are in front, to the side, or behind one of these trucks, it is best to keep your distance from them. This way, if the semi needs to slow down, change lanes, or make any other kind of maneuver, you won’t have to worry about them hitting you.
Watch For Turns
Because semi-trucks have a trailer on the back, they often need to take very wide turns. If they are turning right at an intersection, this could mean starting their turn from a middle lane, rather than the rightmost lane. When you get to intersections with these trucks, watch for turn signals and reduce your speed. You don’t want to assume that truck is going straight and then hit them when they start to turn.
Pass Carefully
If the driver of the truck is acting responsibly, they will be in one of the slower lanes on the highway. This, combined with the fact that a trucks right side is their worst blind spot, means that you should always pass on the left. If you can, you should even move over two lanes before passing.
Eliminate Distractions
This piece of advice is a general driving tip but is especially helpful with semi-trucks. If your eyes and attention are off of the road, you are more likely to make mistakes. Mistakes lead to accidents, and if that accident is with a truck, you will suffer significant damages.
One more issue that makes semi-trucks dangerous is the people that drive them. There is nothing wrong with these people, but the nature of their job often forces them to drive for many hours in a row. This causes distraction and fatigue, both of which increase the chance of an accident. If you ever do get into a crash with a semi-truck, it is a good idea to speak with an experienced attorney. Once you do, you can decide on a legal strategy and they can begin working towards getting you the compensation you deserve.