Nearly 13 million trucks and tractor-trailers operate on U.S. roadways. This means you are likely to share the road with a truck at any given time. Therefore, observing road safety when sharing the road with trucks and other vehicles is important to avoid accidents. Below are four safe driving tips to help keep you and other road users safe.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a truck accident in Charleston, SC, the legal team at Lesemann & Associates can help you file a financial compensation claim.
The first tip is always to drive defensively, especially when there is a large truck near you. Driving defensively means being aware of what's happening on the road, focusing on the road, controlling the speed of your vehicle, and being ready to react to other road users. You should also avoid distractions and never drive when intoxicated.
Generally, passing a truck is different from passing a passenger vehicle. Passenger vehicles travel faster than large commercial trucks, so you need to know when to pass them. Here are essential tips for passing a truck safely:
Because of their size, big trucks have large blind spots where vehicles cannot see other road users. These spots are everywhere–on the truck's sides, front, and back. If you're traveling behind or next to a truck, avoid the following:
Should you find yourself in a blind spot, ensure you calculate your move to get out of the situation as quickly as possible. For example, change lanes, accelerate, or slow down to get to a spot where the truck driver can see you.
Always keep a safe distance on turns. For example, if the truck is making a right turn, you need to allow sufficient space between the trailer and the curb. Trucks tend to shift away from the curb when making a right turn; hence they need more space to complete the maneuver safely. If you drive too closely, your car could get crushed between the curb and the truck.
By following these four safe driving tips, you can keep yourself and others safe on the road. But if a truck accident has already happened, contact our Charleston truck accident lawyers at Lesemann & Associates to evaluate your situation.
For more details, call our office at (843) 724-5155 to schedule a free consultation and get help from Ellis Lesemann, Lesemann & Associates' leading Charleston truck accident lawyer.
