Common Sense Ideas For Avoiding a Truck Accident

Accidents are events that we all dread; accidents in our vehicles can cause serious injury and even death.  A truck accident, those involving the big semi trucks and cars can be so bad that they leave little hope of survival.  What can the average motorist do to protect themselves from accidents caused by trucks?  Actually, there are a lot of little things you can do to insure your safety, the safety of the truck driver as well as those around you.

First, don’t drive too close to the truck.  If they have to stop suddenly you won’t be able to stop and the likelihood of driving underneath increases drastically.  Another thing, if you can’t see the drivers mirror they sure as heck can’t see your car.  For your safety stay back at least 2 seconds and preferably more.

Second, give them a wide berth; they can’t turn as easily as we do so they need that added space to turn.  If they don’t see you there the back tires could roll right up and over your cab.

Third, on a freeway don’t pass on the right.  Trucks have the tendency to move right as soon as they can, if you’re there they could just push you off onto the shoulder.  Have patience and allow them to get over to the right so you can pass on the left.

Fourth, never ever drive between two semi trucks, that’s going to be one painful truck accident should one of them squeeze you out.

Fifth, truck drivers are under tremendous pressure to deliver their freight as quickly as possible.  What that means to you and other drivers on the roadway is drivers often drive tired and their reflexes might not be 100%.  So just be aware of this and give them added space.

The bottom line is you need to treat trucks as the large beasts that they are and give them all the space and respect they need.  Try not to be in too much of a hurry, pay attention and the life that might be saved could be yours.