Tractor trailers, also called 18-wheelers, can cause devastating collisions and injuries. You can avoid involvement in a big truck accident by learning eight tips to follow while you drive. Identifying and avoiding negligent truck drivers remains the best way to stymie a tractor-trailer accident.
- Allow the truck to enter the highway ahead of you. When a truck driver needs to exit an on-ramp, let him or her do so even if it impedes or slows down your lane of traffic. Trying to speed up and pass can cause an accident.
- Leave a safe distance between you and the big truck. A big rig typically weighs between 12,000 and 80,000 pounds, and with a trailer attached, the rig may be the length of three or four cars, combined. Leaving extra space provides you with added reaction time and time for your brakes to engage.
- When you’re able, pass on the left-hand side and only when you must. Big rigs have a right-side blind spot that can hide an approaching, average-sized car.
- Following that train of thought, never assume that tractor-trailer drivers can see you. Their blind spots are rather huge. You need to carefully navigate around a semi, and avoid passing one when you can.
- Hovering in front of a big rig can cause just as many problems because you reduce your ability to make safe and quick emergency stops. Do what you can to avoid a big truck close to your rear, particularly at highway speeds.
- Try to avoid being boxed in between two big rigs. It’s harder for you to see the road to the front and rear, and you don’t want to become the subject of a sandwich.
- Park as far away from semi-trucks as possible and always avoid parking behind them. Blind spots again come into play. The truck driver may not see you and could cause damage to your vehicle, or worse.
- Never use your cell phone while driving. This applies to all driving situations, but it increases the danger around big rigs on interstates where you may be more tempted to use your phone, and big rigs may be more prone to drifting into your lane. Remember, texting while driving is illegal in Arkansas.
Despite these practices, you may find yourself hurt in an accident with a tractor trailer. If so, you need a big truck lawyer. Contact Tim Reed at Reed Firm for help with your personal injury case. Reed Firm specializes in big rig accidents and can help ensure you get the most out of your case.
