Know these tips for safely sharing the road with truckers

Vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, from semi-trucks to automobiles to motorcycles. As large trucks have their own set of driving standards and requirements, they are often involved in accidents with smaller vehicles. In the United States, many lives are at stake, as more than 400,000 trucking accidents occur on American roadways each year.

Truckers have certain rules they must follow to stay safe, but it takes the cooperation of everyone on the road to prevent accidents that can lead to injury or death.

Know the blind spots

As a driver, you know how important it is to check your blind spot before changing lanes. Did you know that truck drivers have several blind spots, and that one-third of fatal crashes between large trucks and cars are caused by poor visibility in one of the four danger zones around trucks? Avoid driving directly in front of or behind a large truck, or immediately behind the cab on either side, as a truck driver may not see you if you cruise in that spot for long.

Pass trucks safely

Never pass trucks on the right if you can avoid it, and do not cut them off, as it takes longer to stop a large truck than a smaller vehicle. Signal when you are turning, check your mirrors, look over your shoulder and only pass when it is completely safe.

Stay patient

When you are going up hills or over mountains, trucks may slow down traffic because they are so much heavier, but it is not worth risking your life to go a little faster. When you are driving near a truck, try to remain predictable and avoid erratic moves, even if the truck seems to be going too slow.

When you are injured

Despite your best efforts to stay focused and remain safe, you cannot control the commitment of a truck driver to safety, and accidents may occur. If you have been in an accident with a truck driver and are facing mounting medical bills and property repair costs, reach out to an attorney today about your options.