Truck Safety

Most drivers are aware of how dangerous it is to share the roads with big rigs. For instance, a single tire blowout from an 18-wheeler could result in a catastrophe. In fact, there were more than 5,000 trucks involved in fatal accidents in 2019. 

However, not all of these crashes were due to the fault or negligence of truckers. Sometimes, truck accidents result from the reckless driving of neighboring motorists, like smaller passenger vehicles and motorcyclists. Avoiding truck accidents is not difficult, but you must follow these truck safety tips. Here’s your guide to preventing a crash in Orange County.

Plan Out Your Trips

Before you head out, plan the route that you are going to take. Are tractor-trailers or big rigs known to pass through that area? If that route borders factories or industrial centers, then most likely. Of course, you cannot completely avoid driving when trucks are present. However, there are some alternatives you can take to reduce being surrounded by multiple 18-wheelers.

For example, in order to avoid a truck accident, you can cut through residential areas. However, be mindful that speed limits may be slower in these communities. Therefore, allot enough time to get to your destination. Also, try to avoid driving during rush hour. This will minimize your chance of driving near a truck, and it will give you more space. 

Maximize Your Leading and Following Distance 

Loaded tractor-trailers require 20% to 40% more space to stop than passenger vehicles do. This is a baseline statistic, as trucks need even more space to brake on wet or unpaved roads. When practicing truck safety, you need to allow enough distance between yourself and the big rig. Make sure you have at least four seconds of leading distance. 

To determine how much space you have, pick an object on the road. Once you drive past it, start counting. It should take at least four seconds for the truck behind you to reach that object. If you need to speed up momentarily to add distance, you should do so. When you are driving behind a truck, you should have three seconds of following distance. You can do the same test as you did with leading distance. 

Avoid Blind Spots

Blind spots are locations where truck drivers cannot see you in their mirrors. Also, truckers have bigger blind spots than cars do, due to their elevation and size. Their biggest blind spot is directly behind them. Therefore you should not drive within 30 feet of a truck. They have a blind spot directly in front of them for 20 feet, so you should transition lanes whenever you are directly in front of a truck. 

A truck also has blind spots to its sides. These spots extend from the truck cabin over one lane to the left and two lanes to the right. You can avoid these spots by driving far behind the truck. Also, you should be able to see its taillights in the distance.

If you must pass a truck, do so while driving on the left. Put one lane between yourself and the truck, then accelerate, so you get past it quickly. 

Signaling Avoids Truck Accidents

Never turn so your car is directly in front or behind a truck. If you miss your exit on a freeway because a truck is in the way, get off on the next exit. Do not force yourself in. You can always take the next exit and re-route. Switch on your turn signal when you are within 300 feet of the turn you want to make. Adjust your speed, so you have plenty of following or leading distance near the truck. Then, make your turn with a fluid motion. 

You can perform a hand signal, as well. Hold your arm out to the side and parallel to the road when you want to turn left. Hold your arm out of your window with your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle when you want to turn right. Do not use your horn or your headlights to signal a turn. Other drivers may confuse your gesture for a sign of aggression. Never turn so you are driving in between trucks. Wait until the trucks separate or pass before you make a turn. 

Do Not Engage in Distractions

You can avoid all accidents by minimizing the time you spend driving. Never go out on the road after you have had too much to drink. Even one alcoholic beverage can impair your decision-making ability and coordination.

Similarly, never drive after you have taken a medication that makes you drowsy. Wait at least an hour or until the effects have passed. If you ever feel tired while you are on the road, pull over and take a break. You can take a nap inside your car at a rest stop. 

This is common and incredibly dangerous. Do not use your phone while you are driving. This includes using hand-free devices because they can distract you. Talking, texting, checking social media, and anything else that takes your attention away from the road can result in a car accident. Try to minimize your conversations with people if you’re driving with passengers. It is okay to maintain a dialogue, but keep your eyes on the road. You should also avoid driving if you are emotionally agitated or angry. Your emotions may lead you to make hasty decisions or driving aggressively.

How You Can Start Practicing Truck Safety

How can you avoid trucks on the road? How much distance should you leave between your vehicle and the trucker? What do you do if you need to switch lanes but a truck is in your way?

Avoiding truck accidents is not difficult. Follow this truck safety guide to prevent a collision from occurring. If you have been involved in a crash, contact The Law Offices of Daniel Kim. We offer a free case assessment and are available to assist 24-hours a day, seven days a week.