You can do your very best to avoid close contact with commercial trucks on the road, but there will be times when you have no choice but to drive in close proximity to these vehicles. There is simply no way around it.
For this reason, it’s critical that you understand how to drive safely in these circumstances. Here is what you need to do:
- Make it easy for truckers to see you: Commercial vehicles have massive blind spots on all sides. Don’t drive in these spots for any longer than you have to.
- Follow the rules of the road when passing: This means maintaining a safe speed, using the left lane and leaving enough space behind you before moving back in front of the truck.
- Keep an eye on the weather: Inclement weather, such as strong wind and heavy rain, makes it a challenge for truckers to maintain control of their vehicles. Leave even more space between your vehicles when the weather takes a turn.
- Beware of wide turns on city streets: Commercial trucks have to use roads other than interstates just like the rest of us. On tight city streets, they must take wide turns. Be careful not to pass a large truck on the right – they may be turning right and can cut you off suddenly.
If you found yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, you may have suffered serious injuries. Don’t simply accept what the insurance company first offers to settle your case. Learn about your legal options before signing on the dotted line.
These steps will help you drive more safely around commercial trucks. Unfortunately, they’re not always good enough to keep you safe.
If a trucker causes an accident, regardless of the reason, move out of traffic and then call for help. After you receive treatment for injuries, you can contact your insurance agent and take other steps to hold the negligent party, such as the trucker and trucking company, responsible for the accident.