You’re driving home from work, and you’re cruising on the highway when you notice a higher-than-usual number of trucks on the roads. As you approach to pass, the driver doesn’t see you and merges into your lane. You have nowhere to go, because another vehicle is in the next lane. Someone is behind you and in front of you, so getting out of the way isn’t possible. Your vehicle is hit, and you .
This accident should have been avoidable. Here are a number of tips to help you avoid truck accidents.
1. Head to the highway
Surprisingly, fatal truck crashes happen more often on rural roads, not on the highways. Another 84 percent of crashes with trucks happen on weekdays. With only 5 percent of accidents taking place on the highway, heading to the highway for your trip home is the safer option. Why? There is less stop-and-go traffic and multiple lanes to choose from.
2. Watch out for driver errors
If you notice a truck moving oddly, the drive might be in violation of the law. For example, if he’s swerving, it’s possible he’s fatigued or driving under the influence of alcohol. You should always report drivers who travel unsafely. The vehicle itself may have a number to call, and you can call 911 if the driver is an immediate danger.
3. Make yourself seen
It’s a good idea to let the driver know you’re passing. If you’re coming into a blind spot, make sure the driver can see you in his mirrors first. Then, pass quickly out of the blind spot. You should always be able to see the driver’s mirrors, and if you can see him, he can see you.
4. Avoid short stops
If you drive in front of a truck and throw on your brakes, chances are, the driver won’t have time to stop. It’s important to give all truck drivers plenty of warning before you put on your brakes. If you want to pass a slow driver, don’t pass too close in front of him, because if you have to put your brakes on, he will have little to no time to slow down or stop for you.
5. Look for signs of danger
Whether it’s slowing traffic up ahead or a tire that doesn’t look quite right on the truck ahead of you, it’s important to look for signs of potential hazards while you’re on the road. If you think the driver’s tire is shredding, flash your lights, call the police and stay back far enough to avoid the debris. If you see traffic slowing ahead and you have a truck driver behind you, slow down and stop with plenty of room in front of you. Leaving space helps prevent serious injuries from secondary collisions if you are struck.
Of course, in any case where you’re hit by a dangerous driver, your attorney can help you seek out a settlement to cover your expenses and financial needs. Your responsibility is to keep yourself and others safe on the road, and drivers not being responsible should pay for their actions.
Michael Zimmerman
Michael was born in Houston, Texas. His education at Baylor and Texas State Universities earned him a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. His major was in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. He finished his legal education at Texas Southern University in 1990, earning a Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1990.
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