Truck Accident Report

Avoiding Accidents With Trucks

Car drivers should take as much care as truck driver to avoid accidents. However, there are some things that car drivers should know about trucks.

When driving in front of any truck, never suddenly slow down or brake, no matter how small the truck is. Even small trucks may need more distance to brake than a car. Trucks have a longer braking distance than any car and are not able to change lanes as fast either. If the brakes are applied, make sure there is no truck behind your car.

There is no need to pass trucks on the right side. It is illegal anyway in most places and that is for a good reason. The right of the bulk of a large truck creates a huge blind spot. Truck drivers won’t see a car on their right. When a truck driver is on the right side, turns or changes lanes, he won’t see your car until it is crushed. This kind of accident is easily preventable.

Always give the truck driver enough time and space to make a turn. The bigger the truck, the more space and time you need to leave for the turn. Wherever possible leave the lane free for the truck. This means moving to the next lane when a truck is coming behind you. If you are unable or unwilling to go faster than the truck, it will have to pass you. Since you are slower anyway let him do it.

Moreover, when a truck needs to change into your lane, slow a bit, and flash lights twice so the truck driver knows that he can use the lane. This gesture is a professional truck drivers’ gesture. They will always reciprocate for you.

Don’t drive on the back of a truck. It won’t save you that much gas. The drivers of cars should know that the rear of a large truck is usually where his automobile can be destroyed. You don’t see what is going on in front of you. This kind of accident is easily avoided by not driving on the tail of a truck.

Remember to keep the visibility of your automobile when you are near a truck. Your vehicle must be in the mirror of the truck or the risk of an accident rises considerably. You must see him, but he also must see you. If you are not in the truck driver’s mirror, the driver has no chance of knowing that you are there until an accident happens.

Use common sense. The larger vehicle always has priority. Legally it is not binding, but physically a truck can do much more harm to your car than your car to him. If you feel that you are the victim consider contacting a negligence attorney to assist you with any legal options.  Truck accidents are often deadly for private cars’ drivers. Truck drivers can’t break, speed or turn as fast as you can. Take that into account.