As the size and frequency of truck accidents have increased over the years, more and more people have been turning to research on how to avoid becoming a victim of truck driver accidents. In this blog article, you’ll learn how to avoid truck driver accidents and how you can keep yourself safe.
Truck Accident Risk Factors
For the safety of other motorists, drivers of large commercial trucks must be trained to operate them and regularly perform checks on the vehicles. However, some significant factors that can increase risks for these types of trucks are:
Driver training and experience
- Larger trucks have to be retrained for new technological updates.
- Driving experience is often a large part of driving successfully in traffic — less driving experience means more risk of an accident.
- Sometimes, new drivers take unfamiliar routes. This can pose a threat to other drivers on the road.
Awareness of blind spots and other vehicles on the road
- Truck drivers should always be aware of their blind spots, especially when driving or merging onto highways.
- If a car doesn’t pay attention to its blind spot, it can collide with the vehicle in its switching lane.
Distracted driving
- If you text while operating a large truck, you could crash and get in a Texas truck accident. It’s against the law to text while driving—and we all know how dangerous it is when drivers take their eyes off the road.
- Trucks traveling at high speeds on highways need a little time to slow down if they come across sudden changes in traffic, like other cars cutting in front of them. So if a truck driver doesn’t have the space they need, there might not be time for them to react.
Speeding
- When truck drivers speed, it can cause serious collisions. Drivers who are texting or otherwise distracted often need more time to react when changing traffic conditions.
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states that for a truck to stop safely, it needs about two football fields’ worth of distance between the car and whatever is in its way.
Road and weather conditions
- Potholes can cause damage to the tires of large trucks. Therefore, truck drivers must be wary when driving past roadwork and construction zones.
- Rain and other types of precipitation can affect a driver’s speed — this is just one example of how the weather might change while on the road.
How to Avoid Truck Driver Accidents
Florida has a mortality rate of 1.60 per 100 million miles traveled, according to the IIHS. This places Florida in one of the highest among the states in terms of the risk of fatal crashes involving drivers and passengers. There are a few things that truck drivers can do to avoid accidents. Here are some tips:
Drive defensively
This means observing what other drivers are doing and anticipating their actions.
Don’t tailgate
Keep a safe distance between your truck and the vehicle in front of you.
Use your mirrors
Your mirrors are your best friends when driving a truck. Use them to check blind spots and ensure other vehicles are not getting too close.
Signal when changing lanes or turning
Other drivers need to know what you’re doing, so use your turn signals accordingly.
Slow down in bad weather conditions
Rain, snow, and ice can make driving conditions treacherous. So take it slow and be extra cautious when the weather is terrible.
Inspect your vehicle before each trip
Ensure everything is in working order to avoid any surprises on the road.
Get plenty of rest before hitting the road
Driving tired is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. So make sure you’re well-rested before driving long distances.
Contact Our Office
Have you been involved in a truck driver accident? The Law Offices of Pacin Levine P.A. have highly qualified and experienced lawyers handling all aspects of your claim, case, or lawsuit in Florida. If you have been injured, aggrieved, or require legal assistance, contact us today at 1-800-247-2727 for a free consultation.
