When driving down the interstate, it’s hard not to be reminded of the horrible accidents we see on the nightly news involving an 18-wheeler. The causes are endless. The combination of their huge mass with the long, hard hours the truck drivers have to work; it is no wonder the accidents are so common. Truck accidents are often more fatal due to the size of the vehicles involved. From a normal driver’s position, we need to accept half of the responsibility when driving near an 18-wheeler. You owe it to yourself and the others with whom you share the road. Listed below are some helpful tips that we can follow to make it safer for everyone on the road.
1. Hang Up the Phone
We all know it’s dangerous to talk on the phone while driving, that’s why it has been made illegal in multiple states. Higher speeds on the highway coupled with a phone conversation can result in an accident happening more easily and abruptly, giving you and everyone around you less time to react. The call can wait until you get home.
2. Be Mindful of Blind Spots
Large trucks come with large blind spots. In order to avoid an 18-wheeler accident, learn these blind spots and steer clear of them. On either side of the truck near the rear, it is difficult for the truck driver to see you, and at a glance it can appear to be empty. Also, directly behind the truck is a blind spot due to the fact that the truck’s cargo is too tall to allow a rear view mirror in the cab.
3. Be Aware
In general, most accidents can be avoided if the parties involved just kept their eyes open to the conditions surrounding their trip. Check the forecast and traffic reports before you set out. Make sure you are mindful of speed limit changes, on rural roads a decrease in speed usually happens closer to town. Construction areas on the highway have speed limit decreases; lanes may become smaller; and abrupt turns are more common.
Here at Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP we understand that an 18-wheeler accident can happen even when you’re prepared. If you are a victim and need the assistance of a skilled Dallas truck accident lawyer, please contact us and we’ll get you back on the road to a normal life.
