How to Prevent Truck Accidents

Trucking companies are some of the most important companies in the United States. They provide millions of jobs and also deliver goods throughout the nation. However, given their massive size and weight, truck accidents are some of the most catastrophic accidents in the U.S as well.

These accidents can cause fatalities, severe injuries, and destruction to property. Victims of truck accidents incur substantial medical bills, loss of property, pain, or trauma. To help compensate for the damages, victims or their family members claim compensation from the at-fault insurance company.

Truck accident claims can be challenging to handle, especially when liability is in dispute. If you have a claim, talk to a truck accident attorney in Las Vegas for the right legal advice. To prevent truck accidents, here are a few tips that a driver should follow:

Avoid Distraction

This is a leading cause of accidents. Truck drivers are more prone to distraction because they drive for longer hours. A driver should avoid engaging in any activity that takes their eyes, mind, or hands off the road.

This includes eating, using a cellphone, or noisy passengers. To prevent accidents, truck drivers and passenger vehicle drivers can use a hands-free device while on the road, stop for food or drink, and avoid listening to distracting music. 

Drive the Speed Limit

It is crucial to always drive within the speed limits. A speeding ticket for a CDL driver can cost them their job or career. Trucking companies shy away from employing CDL drivers with a ticket on their record because it can raise their insurance premiums. Therefore, to keep their jobs and save lives, all truck drivers should avoid speeding.

Passenger vehicles should also stay within the limits to avoid reckless situations around big rigs. Trucks can’t stop as quickly or make quick adjustments when driving due to the size of their vehicle. Reckless driving can cause an accident where a truck hits you, but it’s still your fault.

Avoid Driving Fatigued

Because truck drivers spend long hours on the road, they are prone to fatigue. To help stop fatigue driving, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforced a recommended hours of service that every truck driver must adhere to. All truck drivers should take the recommended breaks and only get back on the road once they are well-rested. 

Passenger vehicle drivers aren’t under these regulations, but it’s still best practice not to drive when exhausted. Even when you’re not tired and have just been driving for many hours, it can cause road fatigue and lead to reduced reaction time, falling asleep at the wheel, and more. 

Avoid Blind Spots

Trucks have several blind spots than other vehicles because of their size. Other road users should try to stay out of the truck’s blind spots because the truck driver may not be able to see them. The rule of the thumb is, if you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirror, they can’t see you. 

Use Caution When Overtaking

It is vital to use caution when overtaking a truck. Large trucks cannot move or stop quickly. They need more time to adjust their speed or react to a hazard. Another driver should avoid approaching a truck from the left side, overtaking while the truck is going uphill or downhill, or merging back into the lane in front of the truck. 

Give the truck Enough Space

Other road users should avoid being too close to trucks for a long time. Staying close to a truck can put you at risk of accidents caused by high winds, tire blowouts, sideswipes, and sudden braking. To avoid this, vehicles should maintain a following distance of at least four seconds, give the truck a lot of space when they turn and do not pass a right-turning truck on the right. 

Contact a Licensed Truck Accident Attorney for Help with Your Claim

Accidents can happen even after taking the right precautions. If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by negligence, you should get in touch with a truck accident attorney near you as soon as possible to protect your legal rights. An attorney will advise you on your legal options and decide on the best way to handle your claim.