Sharing the Road Safely: Essential Tips for Driving Near Semi-Trucks in White Plains
Sharing the road with semi-trucks can be dangerous due to their size. Semis face a lot of limitations that smaller vehicles do not, including – having to take wide turns, needing more time and room to slow down or to stop, and larger blind spots. This blog explores safety tips for driving around semi-trucks and how to share the road safely.
Understanding the Challenges of Sharing the Road with Big Rigs
Semi-trucks are significantly larger than typical passenger cars which brings challenges to drivers navigating in their presence. Changing lanes with a semi-truck close by can be dangerous as semi-trucks require a larger stopping distance. Avoid abruptly changing lanes, following too closely, and avoid blind spots at all costs. Many semi-truck accidents are caused by drivers not understanding the importance of staying visible when driving near a semi.
Key Strategies for Staying Visible
Always remember if you can’t see them, they can’t see you. Staying visible around semi-trucks is crucial due to their large blind spots and inability to stop as quickly as a passenger vehicle. Staying visible gives the truck driver more time to react and prevent an accident.
Be Aware of Blind Spots: Don’t Disappear
Blind spots on semi-trucks are significantly larger due to the size of the truck. Blind spots for a semi are located in front of the truck, behind the truck, and right behind the driver on either side of the truck.
If you find yourself in the blind spot of a semi-truck at any time, exit it as quickly and safely as you can. Staying in the blind spot of a semi-truck creates a risk of accidentally merging into your lane and possibly your vehicle. Avoiding blind spots keeps everyone safe.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Following any vehicle too closely is considered tailgating. Tailgating is extremely dangerous, especially when sharing the road with a semi. Semi-trucks take much longer to stop than passenger cars due to the size and weight of their load. A common practice is to keep three to four car lengths between your vehicle and other vehicles on the road. Keeping a safe distance prevents any potential collisions.
Watch Out for Sudden Stops and Turns
Semi-trucks are not capable of making sharp turns like a passenger vehicle. They need a wide turning radius, especially when turning right. It’s best to be prepared for the unexpected. Truck drivers have to stay alert for things like traffic jams, debris on the roadway, or other drivers’ negligence. All of these things could cause a semi-truck to stop or swerve without prior warning.
Passing and Merging
While driving, signaling while passing or merging helps other drivers know what your intent is. It is significantly more important to do with semi-trucks. Semis need nearly double the distance to stop as your typical passenger vehicle. By failing to signal when passing or merging in front of a semi-truck, there is a higher risk of rear-end collisions.
Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions
Driving distracted can be catastrophic regardless of what vehicles are around you. But when a semi-truck is involved it is more likely to cause serious injury or even death. Getting enough sleep before hitting the road is a great way to stay alert. When driving long distances, take breaks! Give yourself time to stretch your legs, check your phone, grab a snack. Anything to keep you alert and focused on your journey.
What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident
If you’ve been in an accident with a semi-truck, the first step is to call 911 and request any necessary medical assistance. Document the scene, exchange contact information for insurance purposes, and consider hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Schedule Your Free Legal Consultation
The lawyers of Denlea & Carton have over 100+ years of experience representing victims of auto accidents. With $100 million in verdicts and settlements, we help injury victims get the compensation they deserve. Contact Injured 914 today to determine what losses are recoverable and how to get the largest settlement or verdict possible in your White Plains semi-truck accident claim.
