Despite various laws established to enforce responsible truck driving, truck accidents are a frequent occurrence in Goose Creek and the rest of South Carolina. A collision between a large truck and a smaller vehicle almost always results in catastrophic consequences. Even a minor accident involving a commercial truck can have a significant impact due to its larger size when compared with a passenger vehicle. It is important to note that the weight of a truck and the cargo it is carrying can contribute significantly to the severity of a collision and can cause more serious injuries than one would sustain in a typical car on car accident.
Due to their length, long stopping distance, hefty weight, and wide turns, trucks and other large commercial vehicles have large blind spots, which makes following road safety tips can be crucial for everyone on the road. After an accident involving a truck, the aftermath may be confusing and complex. The cost of medical care and long-term care can easily reach hundreds of thousands of dollars if an individual sustains an injury in an accident with a large truck or commercial vehicle. Despite the fact that their medical insurance will probably cover some of the expenses, a Goose Creek truck accident lawyer will know the victim may have to pay for gaps in coverage out of their own pocket. Additionally, the victim’s employer may not provide paid leave until the victim is able to return to work following the accident if they were seriously injured.
In order to help prevent truck accidents in Goose Creek and all the chaos that follows, it’s important to know and practice defensive driving as well as follow other safety tips and procedures to avoid being in a truck accident. Here are the best safety tips to practice defensive driving when on the road around large commercial vehicles or trucks.
Do Not Sit In Blind Spots
The blind spots on commercial trucks typically block a larger amount of space than those on passenger cars. A truck driver may have difficulty seeing an approaching vehicle as a result of this. For example, a semi or truck driver cannot see anything that is closer than 30 feet to the back of the truck. Therefore if an individual is driving their vehicle 20 feet behind the truck, the truck driver cannot see them. This is very dangerous and the reason why many truck accidents occur.
When operating a vehicle on the road near a large truck, the following safety tips should be followed to avoid a truck accident:
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Do not operate the vehicle less than 20 feet ahead of a truck
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Do not operate the vehicle less than 30 feet behind a truck
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Avoid operating the vehicle in the blind spot on the side of a truck by passing quickly, and safely. Driver’s cannot see vehicles in the lane on the driver’s side extending back to half of the trailer’s length.
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Avoid operating the vehicle on the passenger side of the truck. A truck’s blindspot extends to two lanes wide on the truck’s passenger side.
As a general rule of thumb, drivers should remember that if they cannot see the truck driver, then the truck driver cannot see them. Once this has been established, drivers need to operate their vehicles to avoid a truck accident.
Pay Attention To Wide Turns
In order to make wide turns safely, trucks require additional space and time, and both the cab and trailer follow a different route. It may be necessary for a truck to swing left before making a right turn, or it may need to start making a right turn in the middle of the lane.
Passing a truck that has initiated it’s turn signals is prohibited, as well as driving between the truck and the curb. It is advisable to wait until large vehicles have finished turning before continuing driving. Be patient, and wait until the truck has moved safely out of the way before proceeding. If the driver is at an intersection and stopping, they need to ensure that their car is safely behind the line, since trucks need this space to conduct turns.
Pass Appropriately & Safely
When passing a commercial truck, drivers should exercise caution due to the fact that commercial trucks require more time to stop and maneuver through traffic. Further, semi-truck drivers may decrease or increase their speed while traveling uphill or downhill. Therefore it is best to avoid passing them in these circumstances.
Additionally, when a vehicle travels on the left side of the truck, it is easier for the truck driver to see them. Maintain a safe speed and signal properly while passing on the left. Drivers should wait until theta re able to see the driver of the truck in their rearview mirror before merging back into the truck’s lane.
Furthermore, when a truck is passing a vehicle, the vehicle’s driver should keep to their right and reduce their speed. The truck driver will then have more space to pass safely and the vehicle will be able to exit the truck’s blind spot more quickly.
Be Aware Of Headlights
The reflection of headlights off of a truck’s large mirrors could blind a truck driver. As a result of the bright light that is emitted from a vehicle’s headlights, the truck’s driver may be visually impaired and may be unable to operate the truck safely. Therefore, when a driver sees an oncoming truck or any other vehicle approaching them on the road, they should lower their vehicle’s high beams.
Don’t Forget To Use Turn Signals
In comparison to most other vehicle sharing the road, commercial trucks are larger and heavier. It takes more time and distance for these vehicles to navigate through traffic or adjust to the decisions of other drivers on the road as a result of their size.
The most important safety measure a driver can practice when traveling around a commercial truck is to always use their turn signals prior to changing lanes. The driver of the truck will be able to see the intentions of the driver and adjust accordingly, which will allow the driver to make their movement safely and avoid a collision with the truck.
