5 truck accident prevention tips that all motorists in Georgia should follow
While driving on roads in Macon or elsewhere in Georgia, it’s possible to encounter semi-trucks, especially if you’re on the interstate. Although you might do everything you can to safely drive on the road, there are accidents that can’t be avoided sometimes.
For truck drivers, they can pay attention to their surroundings at all times and still be involved in an accident. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to decrease your chances of being in a truck accident, no matter which vehicle you’re driving.
Tip #1: Watch the blind spots
Every semi-truck has blind spots. If you can’t see the truck’s side mirrors, then the driver likely can’t see you. This would mean you’re in the truck’s blind spot. When you’re passing a truck or when you’re driving behind the vehicle, try to stay far enough behind it so that you can clearly see the mirrors. This will usually give the driver the views needed to change lanes or make turns.
Blind spots are usually on the left side of the truck and about 20 feet on the road in front of the truck as well.
Tip #2: Pass with care
There will likely be times when you need to pass a semi-truck. As a truck driver, you might need to maneuver around cars or objects on the road. Each situation should be handled with care so that the pass can be cleanly made.
Keep in mind that a large truck isn’t able to stop as quickly as a small car. It’s also a bit more difficult to turn in a large truck, which sometimes means that you’ll need to wait until the vehicle is out of the road before driving straight or turning.
Avoid making a pass when you’re going up or down a hill as the truck usually can’t see as clearly on either side as the car driver would. Always use signals when passing a truck.
If you’re the truck driver, you need to check all of your mirrors to ensure that there is nothing behind you when passing a vehicle. If you notice a large truck with its signal on, then try to slow down or give the driver enough space to get over.
Tip #3: Share the road
Since semi-trucks are quite a bit larger than other vehicles, you need to give them as much room as possible on the roadway. If you drive too close to a truck, it puts you in danger of being hit by debris that comes off the truck, such as rubber from a shredded tire.
You might not have enough time to stop when following a truck if the driver has to quickly stop in the road. There may be issues with the truck’s brake system that would result in the driver quickly braking or losing control of the vehicle.
Tip #4: Turn off your high beam lights
Even though you might be able to see better when you use your bright lights at night, those same lights can be blinding to a truck driver. Some drivers can lose control of the truck and run off the side of the road—or they may veer to the other lane if the light is too bright and the driver can’t see the road.
Tip #5: Avoid distracted driving
Using your phone, talking to passengers or eating in your vehicle can be considered distracted driving. These distractions can lead to taking your eyes off the road, which can then result in an accident. If the accident involves a semi-truck, then your injuries could be much worse than they might be if other vehicles were to be involved.
If you’re a truck driver, you should try to avoid doing anything that could take your eyes off the road as it only takes a few moments for an accident to occur. If you see that you’re unable to continue driving due to being sleepy or being hungry, then consider stopping at a rest area or parking lot before getting on the road again.
When to consult an experienced Macon truck accident lawyer
You can do everything possible to drive safely on the road and still be involved in an accident. Whether it’s your fault or the fault of someone else, you can seek the assistance of a truck crash attorney near you who can help you file the proper claims.
An attorney can work with you to review the details of the accident and to determine how much the settlement amount could include so that you’re compensated for medical bills, future treatments, lost wages and any pain and suffering you experience after the accident.
