Each day, drivers throughout Lake Charles and across the state share the road with tractor-trailers. Unfortunately, in sharing the roads, collisions sometimes occur between these large commercial trucks and smaller, passenger vehicles.
Although they cannot prevent all trucking accidents from occurring, taking some steps when traveling alongside 18-wheelers may help drivers keep themselves and their passengers safe.
Do use caution when passing
According to the Kentucky Department of Transportation, when passing large trucks, drivers should ensure they have ample space to safely complete the maneuver. Due to the time and space that tractor-trailer operators need to bring their autos to a safe stop, motorists may help avoid potentially deadly frontend impact crashes by making sure they can see the whole front of the truck before completing their passes.
Do not tailgate
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, avoiding tailgating large trucks helps prevent some trucking accidents. On upgrades, these vehicles sometimes roll back, causing impact with cars stopped too close. Should motorists fail to stop in time or get hit from the rear, their vehicles may slide under tractor-trailers they have followed too closely.
Do stay out of the no zones
Drivers also benefit from recognizing large trucks’ blind spots and doing their best to avoid traveling in them whenever possible. Tractor-trailers have areas around the back, sides and front where operators have limited or no view. Staying out of these blind spots, or no zones, helps drivers ensure truckers see their vehicles and may take the necessary steps to avoid crashing.
When large trucks and smaller cars collide, those involved often suffer serious injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and time off work to recover. Therefore, people who experience such accidents commonly pursue their options for seeking compensation for their injury-associated losses.
