Truck crashes can be deadly; they can also be prevented. It’s no surprise that the most significant injuries happen to the drivers and passengers of the smaller vehicle. The reports on the truck fatalities shows the highest numbers in 29 years.
People inside passenger vehicles are 5 times more likely to die in a truck crash than the truck driver. Vehicle drivers need to stay alert all the time while driving on highways. These 4 tips help you to prevent truck accidents and stay safe.
1. Leave extra space
Large trucks weigh more than passenger vehicles and require a more space to stop. New York drivers can reduce the risk a truck accident by taking the following steps.
- Drivers should allow more space when following a truck. Driving too close to a larger vehicle limits visibility of the road ahead. It also makes it harder to see hazards like construction, traffic or poor road conditions. If you leave more space, you’ll have more time to react to dangerous situations. New York drivers should leave a following distance of at least three seconds.
- Passenger vehicle drivers should take extra care to leave room when passing in front of trucks. Trucks can require 90 percent more space to stop than a passenger vehicle. Don’t cut too close to a truck driver.
2. Make Sure the Truck Driver Can See You
Blind spots are killers. Passenger vehicle drivers can check their visibility by looking for the truck’s mirrors. If the truck driver’s face is not visible, the passenger vehicle is likely in the trucker’s blind spot.
Also, always pass trucks on the driver’s side. Trucks have large blind spots. The blind spot on the passenger side is worse than on the passenger side. When possible, pass on the truck driver’s side.
3. Need to pull off the highway? Get all the way off.
Passenger vehicle drivers should always leave enough space when pulling over to the side of the road. Many crashes are caused when a car pulls over and is hit by a truck driver who is briefly distracted. If you must pull off the highway, make sure the entire car is off the road to reduce the risk of a deadly truck accident.
4. Beware of turning trucks
Be extra careful when approaching an intersection with a turning truck. Judging the speed of a truck or how much space it will need can be difficult. At intersections, trucks usually swing wide to make a turn. This can be dangerous for other drivers. Drivers also should avoid following too closely during turns because the truck driver may have limited visibility.
Truck Accident Causes
The number one cause of truck accidents in New York is driver error. Types of negligence by truck drivers seen in upstate New York personal injury cases may include:
- Failing to take regular breaks and driving too many hours in a day
- Taking drugs, alcohol or energy supplements that interfere with judgment
- Driving too fast
- Driving a commercial vehicle without being properly trained and licensed
Other causes include improper maintenance of the truck and trailer; manufacturer negligence, as in defective brakes; and corporate timetables that cause violations of Department of Transport “Hours of Safety Regulations.”.
Have you or your loved ones got in to a truck accident? We will get you full compensation for your injuries. We have the most experienced truck accident lawyers in Buffalo, New York. Contact us by filling our form to get a free consultation or call us at 716-600-0000 or 716-400-0000.