Lowering Your Chances of Being Involved in an Oklahoma Truck Accident
There is simply no way to control other people’s driving habits, which is why it’s impossible to guarantee that a person won’t ever be involved in a truck accident. There are, however, some steps and techniques that drivers can utilize to help significantly reduce their chances of being involved in such a devastating collision. Read on to learn more about how to safely navigate the road when driving near semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles.
Semi-Truck Awareness
One of the things to keep in mind when considering road safety around semi-trucks is what makes these kinds of vehicles unique. Semi-trucks and commercial vehicles in general, for instance, are much taller, longer, and heavier than the average vehicle. Because of their vast size, they have a higher center of gravity, which means that they are inherently less stable than passenger cars. Understanding this can help ensure that drivers anticipate a truck driver’s movements. These vehicles, for example, must make very wide turns to avoid tipping over. They are also more dangerous in high winds and on winding roads.
Because they are so large, commercial vehicles also have much larger blind spots than the average vehicle and take a lot longer to come to a stop. Knowing these dangers can help other drivers adapt their own driving behaviors to avoid a collision. Motorists should, for instance, be sure to keep a safe following distance from these vehicles, stay out of blind spots, and avoid cutting these drivers off.
Drive Defensively
Practicing defensive driving is also critical when sharing the road with semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles. This includes:
- Staying alert and paying close attention to the road and one’s surroundings;
- Staying focused by avoiding distractions; and
- Staying vigilant for sudden movements and signals from truck drivers.
Taking these precautions can help drivers anticipate potential hazards and react accordingly if they arise, thereby reducing their chances of being involved in an accident. It’s also important for drivers to take extra care when attempting certain maneuvers near semi-trucks. Passing a large commercial vehicle, for example, can be dangerous, so before doing so, drivers should be sure to:
- Ensure that passing is safe;
- Make sure that they are not in one of the truck’s blind spots;
- Pass on the left of the truck;
- Maintain a steady speed;
- Signal their intention to pass; and
- Leave enough space between their vehicle and the truck when merging back into their lane.
Taking these precautions can make all the difference when it comes to preventing a truck accident.
Call or Contact Levinson Law, P.C. Online Today
Unfortunately, even the most careful driver could end up involved in a collision through no fault of his or her own. If you or a loved one were hurt in a truck accident because of someone else’s carelessness, you could be entitled to monetary compensation for your losses. Call Levinson Law, P.C. to learn more from one of our experienced Tulsa trucking accident attorneys today.
Sources:
fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Tips%20for%20Driving%20Safely%20Around%20Large%20Trucks%20and%20Buses_10-10-16.pdf
trucksmart.udot.utah.gov/know-the-no-zones/
