Safe Driving Near Semi-Trucks and Tractor Trailers
Due to the size of semi-trucks and tractor trailers, and the dangerous loads they may carry, crashes involving these huge commercial trucks can be life- threatening " or even deadly. Many automobile drivers are unsure about the safest way to share the road with trucks, and may under- estimate the limitations on truck acceleration, braking, and visibility.
Many automobile drivers under-estimate the limitations on truck acceleration, braking, and visibility and do not allow for enough space when sharing the road with trucks.
Driving in the No-Zones - the areas behind and beside a commercial truck where the truck driver has limited or zero visibility.
Changing lanes quickly in front of a truck.
Passing on the right of a truck that is making a right turn.
Making a left turn in front of an approaching truck at an intersection and misjudging the speed.
Merging improperly into traffic and forcing a truck driver to try to brake quickly or swerve out of the way.
Failing to slow down or speed up to allow enough space when a truck begins to change lanes or merge.
Misjudging air turbulence or crosswind when passing a truck and being blown out of position.
Driving between tractor-trailer trucks.
Abandoning a vehicle in a travel lane, or failing to get a disabled vehicle completely off the highway and onto the shoulder.
Motor cyclists are especially vulnerable when driving near large trucks, and should also take the following safety measures:
Attend safety training.
Wear protective gear all the time (including gloves, boots, a jacket and a helmet manufactured to the standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation).
Don't exceed your riding skills.
Take refresher courses to improve your riding skills.
Before each ride, conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle.
In bad weather or at night, especially, watch your speed around trucks.
On the highway, all motorists need to use extra care when changing lanes, merging, and maintaining adequate distance from semi-trucks and tractor-trailers. Here are some more important steps that you can take on the road to ensure your safety:
About 35 percent of all fatal accidents with large trucks occur in a blind spot when cars and motorcycles temporarily disappear from the truck drivers view. Stay visible; don't linger near large trucks. Instead, either move past or slow down to back off and get out of the trucks blind spot.
Stay 20 car lengths behind a truck, so you have time to react to any changes in the road ahead, including debris or accidents. Keep the trucks mirrors in your sight at all times.
Be sure to leave ample distance before pulling in front of a truck. Fully loaded trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds and take the length of a football field to stop. Never cut in front of a truck.
Change lanes only when you can see both of the trucks headlights in your rearview mirror.
At intersections, trucks often make wide turns and may use additional lanes, so give a turning truck plenty of space to maneuver. - 21392
Many automobile drivers under-estimate the limitations on truck acceleration, braking, and visibility and do not allow for enough space when sharing the road with trucks.
Driving in the No-Zones - the areas behind and beside a commercial truck where the truck driver has limited or zero visibility.
Changing lanes quickly in front of a truck.
Passing on the right of a truck that is making a right turn.
Making a left turn in front of an approaching truck at an intersection and misjudging the speed.
Merging improperly into traffic and forcing a truck driver to try to brake quickly or swerve out of the way.
Failing to slow down or speed up to allow enough space when a truck begins to change lanes or merge.
Misjudging air turbulence or crosswind when passing a truck and being blown out of position.
Driving between tractor-trailer trucks.
Abandoning a vehicle in a travel lane, or failing to get a disabled vehicle completely off the highway and onto the shoulder.
Motor cyclists are especially vulnerable when driving near large trucks, and should also take the following safety measures:
Attend safety training.
Wear protective gear all the time (including gloves, boots, a jacket and a helmet manufactured to the standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation).
Don't exceed your riding skills.
Take refresher courses to improve your riding skills.
Before each ride, conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle.
In bad weather or at night, especially, watch your speed around trucks.
On the highway, all motorists need to use extra care when changing lanes, merging, and maintaining adequate distance from semi-trucks and tractor-trailers. Here are some more important steps that you can take on the road to ensure your safety:
About 35 percent of all fatal accidents with large trucks occur in a blind spot when cars and motorcycles temporarily disappear from the truck drivers view. Stay visible; don't linger near large trucks. Instead, either move past or slow down to back off and get out of the trucks blind spot.
Stay 20 car lengths behind a truck, so you have time to react to any changes in the road ahead, including debris or accidents. Keep the trucks mirrors in your sight at all times.
Be sure to leave ample distance before pulling in front of a truck. Fully loaded trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds and take the length of a football field to stop. Never cut in front of a truck.
Change lanes only when you can see both of the trucks headlights in your rearview mirror.
At intersections, trucks often make wide turns and may use additional lanes, so give a turning truck plenty of space to maneuver. - 21392
About the Author:
At the Bernstein Law Firm, our experienced semi-truck accident lawyers are dedicated to protecting the legal rights of Michigan semi-truck accident victims. If you or a loved one was injured in a semi-truck accident in Michigan, contact us to get a free confidential legal consultation today.
posted by X - Men @ 12:26 AM
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