Professional truck drivers are some of the safest drivers on the road. To drive a commercial truck, drivers spend considerable time getting an education and training in order to operate a tractor-trailer, tanker, or other heavy commercial truck. Professional truck drivers pride themselves on knowing the roads, and they have some insights on staying safe in traffic.
Professional drivers generally agree that car drivers can stay safer on the road, even when driving around trucks, by:
1) Keeping full focus on the road.
Distracted driving in Hollywood and across South Florida’s is a leading cause of traffic accidents and injuries. When drivers take their eyes off the road, they may miss seconds of the visual information which can help prevent a traffic collision. In addition, taking their hands off the wheel can cause them to lose control of their car, which can be deadly if there are larger and heavier vehicles around. Even daydreaming can be a deadly activity in traffic, as it can mean drivers miss important cues, such as a light change or traffic signal.
Truck drivers are trained to stay alert at all times and to drive defensively, always thinking ahead. Getting additional defensive driving training needed and learning to say “no” to distractions can help you be a safer driver, no matter who you’re sharing the road with.
2) Giving trucks extra room.
Trucks take extra room when they’re turning and some of them may make unexpected stops. Tankers delivering fuel, for example, may need to make frequent stops or may need to back up in order to deliver fuel to customers. Delivery trucks and garbage trucks may similarly make unexpected stops and starts. Giving trucks extra room ensures you’re not caught in rear-end or squeeze play accidents in Hollywood or your community.
3) Slowing down.
Driving too fast increases your chance of an accident and can make it more likely you’ll lose control of your vehicle. When you’re driving, follow the speed of the traffic and the speed signs around you. They are there for a reason.
4) Making sure truck drivers can see you.
Truck drivers can only keep an eye out for you and avoid colliding with your vehicle if they can see you. If you’re driving alongside a truck or tailgating a truck, the truck driver will generally not be able to see you. Avoid cruising in the “no zone” of tractor trailers and big rigs. Driving alongside a truck or immediately behind a truck increases your chances of a crash because the driver may not see you.
5) Being mindfull of stopping speeds.
Trucks take longer to slow down and stop due to the way their brakes work. If you are driving too close to a truck and slow down or stop suddenly, the truck driver may simply not be able to stop in time to avoid a crash. Always leave extra room between you and a big rig truck and avoid slamming on your brakes. Use your signals to ensure the truck driver knows when you are going to be turning or making another maneuver.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, you may have a legal claim if your accident was caused by someone’s negligence or recklessness. To find out whether you have a claim and to discuss how much your claim may be worth, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation.