Semi-trucks are a part of life on the road. They’re important, but they can also be dangerous. This blog post will discuss some safety tips that you should know when driving around semi-trucks to keep yourself safe and your vehicle in good condition.
Keep a safe distance from the truck
One of the primary things you should know when driving around semi-trucks is that you need to keep a safe distance. Semi-truck drivers cannot stop in the same amount of time as cars, and if they are unable to brake in time because you’re too close, it could cause an accident or worse.
Try to give yourself at least one car length for every ten miles an hour you’re traveling. This is a good rule of thumb to ensure that the truck driver has time to stop and won’t get frustrated with your driving habits.
However, if you ever find yourself in an accident with a big rig, a seasoned Del City truck accident lawyer suggests that you should get in touch with your attorney immediately. They will be able to guide you through the process of what you need to do next when this happens.
Be Cautious When Driving Around Trucks That Are Backing Up
When semi-trucks back up or turn around in a parking lot, they need more room than usual because of how long their vehicle is. If you’re not careful, you could end up in an accident. Be aware of the truck’s movements at all times and give them plenty of room to maneuver. Do not drive close to the back of a truck that’s backing up because you might not be able to see what’s going on behind them. Also, keep in mind that there are instances wherein their brake lights might not be working if they’re having issues with their electrical system.
Use Caution When Passing
Semi-trucks are long vehicles, meaning they take some more time than cars do to pass another vehicle on the road. If you’re not cautious when passing a semi-truck, you could end up in an accident. Make sure that there is plenty of room to pass before attempting to do so, and always use your turn signals.
As much as possible, the room you give the truck driver should be at least twice as long as their vehicle. If you have to, move into another lane to pass instead of driving alongside them.
Do not try to squeeze between the truck and the curb because there’s usually not enough space, and it’s very dangerous. In addition to this, use your turn signals when you’re planning to turn, so the truck driver is aware of your intentions.
Be Aware of Blind Spots
Some areas where semi-trucks have blind spots are directly behind, partly in front, and along their sides. You need to be especially cautious when driving around a truck so that they don’t hit you by accident because the driver couldn’t see you.
If you can, try to avoid driving in these areas and pass the truck when it’s safe to do so. Even with the mirrors on a semi-truck, the driver can’t see everything around them because of the size of their vehicle.
Avoid Distractions While Driving Around Aemi-Trucks
Distractions can cause accidents anywhere, but it’s even more important that you avoid them if you’re going to be near a big rig on the road. Semi-truck drivers cannot swerve out of the way of another vehicle easily, so avoid distractions at all costs.
If you get into an accident because you were distracted by something like your cell phone or the radio, not only will it be difficult to prove that the truck driver was in fact at fault for accidents caused this way, but it’s also dangerous. You could end up with serious injuries if you’re not paying attention to the road while around a semi-truck.
Always Wear Your Seatbelt
Finally, always wear your seatbelt when you’re driving around semi-trucks. Your seatbelt can save your life in the event of an accident, and it’s not worth taking the risk by not wearing one. Buckle up every time you get into a car, regardless of how short the drive is. Keep in mind that you are responsible for your own safety, so avoid being careless when you’re around these types of vehicles.
Following these simple tips when driving around semi-trucks can help keep you safe on the road. Truck drivers and motorists alike should abide by the rules of the road to avoid a collision or an unfortunate accident.