Driving Safely Near Large Trucks

Few vehicles on the roadways have the potential to cause as much damage as semi-trucks. Anyone who has seen the aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident understands just how dangerous driving near a big truck can be. Although truck drivers or manufacturers are to blame for some accidents, others are caused by passenger car drivers who do not fully understand how to drive safely near large trucks.

Avoiding 18-Wheeler Accidents

Passenger car drivers often do not understand the difficulties of handling big trucks and the inherent dangers these vehicles pose, including:

• Blind spots. Large trucks have additional blind spots that passenger cars do not have. Even with advanced mirrors, trucks have extended blind spots on the sides of the vehicle, directly behind the truck, and beside the passenger door. Remember that if you cannot see a truck’s mirrors, the driver cannot see your vehicle.
• Braking difficulties. Because of the size and weight of large trucks, it takes a long time for them to come to a complete stop or even slow down. Drivers who switch lanes and cut too closely in front of a truck dramatically increase the risk of an accident, since the truck does not have time to slow down if the car in front hits the brakes.

By keeping these facts in mind and driving safely near large trucks, you can help decrease the risk of accidents and do your part to keep everyone safe.

Contact Us

Accidents with large trucks can be deadly. If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident due to a truck driver’s negligence, you may have grounds for legal action. To learn more, contact a Harrisburg personal injury lawyer from Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. by calling 610-667-7511.