Commercial truck accidents are common causes of catastrophic and fatal injuries on Texas roads. Many of them occur due to truck driver negligence and mechanical failure. Others happen because trucking companies push their employees to ignore Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
While many of these factors may be out of your control, following these five tips on how to prevent truck accidents can keep you safe when driving near large commercial vehicles.
Recognize Truck Blind Spots
Semi-trucks have such massive blind spots that the area around them is called the No Zone. Recognizing and avoiding this area as much as possible is one of the most important aspects of truck accident prevention.
The No Zone encompasses the area extending to the following:
- 30 feet behind the truck’s trailer
- 20 feet in front of the cab
- One lane on the truck’s left side
- Two lanes on the truck’s right side
If you have trouble remembering or visualizing the No Zone, remember that if you cannot see the trucker’s eyes in their side mirrors, they cannot see you.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance
While allowing space when following any vehicle is crucial, you should always give more space when following a commercial truck. In addition to keeping you visible to the trucker, maintaining a safe following distance allows you to see potential hazards in front of the truck. Doing so will give you ample time to stop or execute evasive maneuvers if necessary.
Drive Cautiously in Adverse Weather
Weather events such as thunderstorms, snow, and icy conditions can quickly change a vehicle’s ability to slow down or stop. Allow an even greater following distance in these conditions. High winds can sometimes cause trucks to topple over, so avoid passing a truck when the winds are strong.
Practice Proper Intersection Etiquette
Trucks require more space to turn than passenger vehicles. Coupled with a truck driver’s limited visibility, this can make trucks particularly dangerous at intersections. Always exercise caution when a truck is turning. Give it more room than you would give a smaller vehicle.
Stay Alert During Nighttime Drives
All individuals are susceptible to sleepiness late at night, regardless of how much nighttime driving practice they have. The irregular hours and long routes of truckers can make them particularly susceptible to drowsy driving. Always assume that a truck driver is not completely alert when they’re driving at night. If you cannot avoid a nighttime drive yourself, ensure that you are awake enough to be extra attentive at all times.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Call Burch Law Firm
Even drivers who know all about how to avoid truck accidents can be involved in collisions when another party is negligent. If you have suffered injuries in a collision with a semi-truck, a truck accident lawyer at Burch Law Firm can fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a New Braunfels truck accident attorney to find out more.
