Semi trucks are a necessary part of life and commerce. Without these big trucks, some aspects of life would likely grind to a halt. If you are on a roadway with semi trucks, you need to do what you can to remain alert and safe.
Unfortunately, even if you do your part to help prevent crashes, you might still be involved in one. Other drivers or even the trucker him- or herself might do something that leads to an accident. Here are some tips to help keep you safe on the road:
#1: Stay out of blind spots
Semi trucks have blind spots that are larger than other vehicles. You shouldn’t drive in these spots, which extend for the length of the trailer, as well as part of the cab. The general rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t drive in a location where you can’t see the trucker in the cab.
#2: Don’t dart in front of a semi truck
Darting in front of a semi truck is a very dangerous action. Semi trucks can’t stop quickly, so there is a chance that you will be rear-ended if you dart in front of a big rig and are moving slower than the truck.
#3: Leave plenty of room for the truck to move
Semi trucks aren’t as easy to handle as passenger vehicles. This can make it hard for the trucker to get the 18-wheeler where it needs to be. Don’t try to crowd a semi truck and don’t try to join in a group of semi trucks. Additionally, you shouldn’t drive on the right side of a semi truck that is making a right-hand turn.
#4: Make sure you watch a trucker’s signals
Pay attention to the signals that a semi truck driver makes. If you see the trucker trying to look in the mirrors, he or she might be trying to change lanes. When possible, try to make room for the trucker to make necessary lane changes, such as moving to a middle lane on the highway when there is someone on the shoulder.
#5: You can’t avoid all crashes
Unfortunately, drivers can’t avoid all 18-wheeler crashes. When the crash is caused by the trucker or another, you might end up being seriously injured. These crashes might be caused by a host of issues, including driver distraction or fatigue.
#6: Compensation might be possible
When a big rig accident is caused by someone other than you, it is possible to seek compensation. You would need to determine the cause of the crash so that you can figure out who you need to name as a defendant in the lawsuit. This might be the trucker or trucking company or even another driver.