Preventing Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can cause life-changing or fatal injuries, as well as the totaling of smaller vehicles involved. With the stakes so high, it is important for everyone on the road, including drivers of passenger vehicles and commercial truck drivers, to know how to help prevent truck accidents. By being aware of their surroundings, following traffic laws, and using other commonplace driving safety tips, both groups can work together to make the roads safer for everyone.

Blind Spots Cause Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks have large blind spots or "no-zones" surrounding them. These areas are places where the truck driver can’t see cars, no matter how they try to look for them. For smaller vehicles to help prevent truck accidents, they need to stay out of these blind spots. This means avoiding staying directly beside or behind a truck, especially for long periods, as this can cause the truck driver to miss them in their mirrors. Additionally, truck drivers must communicate their intent to change lanes or merge by using their indicators in advance, giving smaller vehicles enough time to get out of the way. By following these simple tips to stay out of truck blind spots and being aware of their surroundings, smaller vehicles can help prevent accidents and make the roads safer for everyone.

Keep Track of Open Lanes

When driving on highways or busy roads, drivers need to be aware of the traffic in adjacent lanes, especially if they are driving close to commercial trucks. By paying attention to adjacent lanes, drivers will be ready to make quick defensive maneuvers, such as swerving or braking, to avoid getting into a truck accident. Stay aware of your surroundings, and you can help keep yourself and other drivers safe.

Always Follow Traffic Laws

Obeying traffic laws is crucial for both drivers and truck drivers to avoid accidents and ensure road safety. Traffic laws such as speed limits and stopping at stop signs are put in place to regulate the flow of traffic and minimize the risk of accidents. By following these laws, drivers and truck drivers can minimize their chances of being involved in a collision.

Careful Control of Commercial Trucks

Truck drivers operate heavy and often oversized vehicles, which means that they require more space to maneuver and stop than passenger vehicles. They must be aware of their vehicle's speed and weight limits and must comply with them to prevent accidents.