Sharing the road with semi-trucks requires a unique set of considerations. These massive vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Their size and weight make them more challenging to maneuver and stop compared to smaller vehicles.

For your safety and the safety of others, it’s important to understand how to drive responsibly around trucks. Below are essential tips for safe driving and a brief guide on what to do if you’re involved in an accident with a semi-truck.

Tips for Driving Safely Around Semi-Trucks

1. Stay Out of Blind Spots Semi-trucks have large blind spots on all sides. Avoid driving directly beside a truck for extended periods. If the driver’s mirrors are not visible to you, you’re probably not visible to them either.

2. Give Trucks Plenty of Space

• Following Distance: Maintain a safe following distance of at least four seconds behind a truck. This provides you with sufficient time to respond if the truck abruptly reduces speed..
• Passing: When passing a truck, do so quickly and safely. Avoid lingering in their blind spots and always pass on the left side, where the driver’s visibility is better.

3. Understand Their Stopping Distance Trucks take much longer to stop than smaller vehicles, especially on wet or icy roads. Never cut closely in front of a truck after passing; this can force the driver into a dangerous sudden braking situation.

4. Be Patient with Wide Turns Semi-trucks need extra space to make turns, often swinging wide to the left to complete a right turn. Never try to squeeze between a turning truck and the curb.

5. Adjust for Weather Conditions Bad weather affects trucks more than smaller vehicles. In rain, snow, or fog, give trucks even more space and avoid sudden maneuvers around them.

6. Don’t Tailgate Following a truck too closely is risky because you’ll have limited visibility of the road ahead. Debris or sudden stops can lead to accidents if you’re too close.

7. Respect the Rules of the Road Obey traffic laws, maintain a steady speed, and signal your intentions clearly. Avoid erratic driving or sudden lane changes near trucks.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

1. Ensure Safety and Call Emergency Services

• Move to a safe location if possible, away from traffic.
• Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.

2. Seek Medical Attention

• Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Get checked by a medical professional.

3. Document the Scene

• Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
• Note details such as weather conditions, road conditions, and the time of the accident.

4. Exchange Information

• Collect contact and insurance information from the truck driver.
• Note the name of the trucking company and the truck’s license plate and USDOT number.

5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

• Semi-truck accidents often involve complex legal and insurance issues. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.

Why Sharing the Road with Trucks is Unique

Semi-trucks are integral to the economy, transporting goods across the country. However, their size and function create unique road hazards. Trucks have:

• Larger Blind Spots: Unlike smaller vehicles, trucks have significant blind zones on all sides, particularly on the right side and behind the trailer.
• Longer Stopping Distances: A fully loaded truck traveling at highway speed can take over 500 feet to come to a complete stop.
• Limited Maneuverability: Trucks cannot quickly swerve to avoid hazards without risking tipping over or jackknifing.

Understanding vehicle limitations helps you make safer decisions when driving near semi-trucks.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce accident risk and help make the roads safer for everyone. If you are in a truck accident, taking the right steps can help protect your health and legal rights. For more guidance, contact Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm today.

A Simple Guide to Wisconsin’s Car Seat Laws

Navigating the world of car seat regulations can be daunting for parents and caregivers. However, ensuring that children are safely secured while traveling is crucial. This guide will help you understand Wisconsin’s car seat laws, ensuring that you’re compliant and keeping your young passengers safe.

*Please note: Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm cites Wisconsin state guidelines in this post. We are not experts in car seat safety, but rather we serve clients who suffer personal injuries and need assistance with Wisconsin law. For questions regarding car seat safety, please visit Children’s Wisconsin FAQ or the WisDOT website.

Understanding Wisconsin’s Car Seat Requirements

Wisconsin’s car seat laws are designed to protect children by ensuring they are appropriately secured in a vehicle. The regulations are straightforward and vary by age, weight, and height of the child:

• Infants (less than 1 year old and under 20 pounds) must be in a rear-facing car seat.
• Toddlers (at least 1 year old, over 20 pounds, but under 4 years or 40 pounds) should use a forward- or rear-facing car seat.

When to transition your child to a booster seat, per Wisconsin guidelines:

• Children aged 4 to 8 (between 40-80 pounds and no more than 4 ft. 9 in.) need a booster seat.

Remember, these guidelines are minimum requirements. Experts recommend keeping children in each stage longer if possible for maximum safety.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Not adhering to Wisconsin’s car seat laws can result in penalties, which vary based on the child’s age:

• For children under 4 years, the penalty is $175.30.
• For ages 4 to 8, the penalties begin at $150.10 for the first offense and increase with subsequent violations.

These penalties emphasize the importance of complying with the laws to avoid fines and ensure child safety.

Key Considerations for Parents

Parents should be diligent about understanding and following car seat regulations. When selecting a car seat, consider the following:

• Check Weight and Height Limits: Ensure the car seat suits your child’s current weight and height.
• Installation: Ensure proper installation to maximize safety. Many local organizations offer free car seat checks.
• Transition Timing: Move your child to the next car seat stage only when they exceed the current seat limits.

Maintaining awareness of these factors ensures compliance and safety for your child.

Beyond Legality: Common Best Practices

While following the law is essential, there are additional safety recommendations to consider:

• Rear-Facing Longer: Keep children rear-facing until at least age 2 or when they exceed the seat weight and height limits.
• Back Seat Riding: Children should ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old.
• Proper Seat Belt Fit: Ensure that the lap belt sits low across the child’s thighs and that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder between the neck and arm.

Implementing car seat best practices can further safeguard your child during travel.

The Importance of Regular Checks

Regularly checking car seats for wear and tear is vital. Follow these tips to ensure your car seat remains safe:

• Expiration Dates: Check the car seat expiration date. Replace expired seats for optimal safety.
• Recalls: Stay informed about any recalls associated with your car seat model.
• Post-Accident: Replace the car seat after a moderate or severe accident, even if no visible damage is present.

Being proactive about car seat maintenance protects your child’s safety.

Community Resources for Car Seat Safety

Local resources in Wisconsin offer assistance to ensure car seats are properly fitted and safe:

• Car Seat Checks: Many communities provide free car seat inspections.
• Guidance: Local agencies offer resources and advice on choosing the right car seat.
• Safety Events: Attend community events focused on child passenger safety.

Utilizing these resources can provide peace of mind and ensure compliance with state laws.

Transitioning Out of a Booster Seat

Knowing when your child can transition out of a booster seat is crucial. According to Wisconsin law, this should occur when the child:

• Is over 8 years old
• Weighs more than 80 pounds
• Is taller than 4 ft. 9 in.

Keep in mind that transitioning too early can compromise safety. It is recommended to wait until your child comfortably meets all the criteria.

When Your Family’s Safety Is Compromised, We’re Here to Help

Understanding Wisconsin’s car seat laws is vital for ensuring the safety of young passengers. By adhering to legal requirements and following best practices, you can protect your child during every car ride. For parents or guardians involved in a car accident, or seeking more information, consider reaching out to Pemberton Personal Injury Law. We can offer guidance and support tailored to your needs.

The idea of distracted driving has continued to be an issue for several years across the nation. Each state has set its laws regarding what is considered distracted driving.

So is it illegal to wear headphones while driving in Wisconsin? The short answer is no. Wisconsin is one of the states that hasn’t yet enforced this law. Several other surrounding states have, however, and it is illegal. Does that mean it is safe to wear headphones? Not necessarily.

Read below to learn more about headphones and distracted driving.

What are Some Problems with Wearing Headphones While Driving?

For some, they use headphones to talk on the phone or listen to music while driving so that they can keep both hands on the wheel. Their hearts are in the right place, but this may make distractions more apparent and make them more dangerous on the roads.

Wearing headphones limits your ability to hear what is happening inside and outside your vehicle. What if an emergency vehicle is approaching and you don’t see it? You also can’t listen to it if you have headphones on, which can quickly turn the situation into a dangerous one for cars near you on the road, yourself, and the emergency personnel.

Other cars use their horns to indicate there are issues on the roadway. If you can’t hear them, you may have inadvertently put yourself and those around you in danger.

Headphones and earbuds almost wholly block your ear canal rather than if you were to be listening to music or talking on a phone connected to your speakers.

What are Some Other Issues With Headphones While Driving?

Motorcycle accidents are prevalent across our nation and can have catastrophic consequences. If you are wearing headphones, your 100% attention isn’t always able to be where it should be, which is on the road and the vehicles around you.

You can’t hear an approaching motorcycle as well as you could if you weren’t wearing headphones, meaning you can change lanes before spotting them, cutting them off, or bumping into them. All of which can mean serious injury or death for those on motorcycles or bicycles.

So I Shouldn’t Use Headphones or Earbuds While Driving?

Have you heard that saying, “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should”? Although it is still not illegal as of yet in the state of Wisconsin to wear headphones or earbuds while driving, it is not in your best interest to do so. Do your part to keep yourself and others on the roadway safe by not being distracted while driving. Everyone deserves to get home safe at night, including you.

Contact our office at (608) 448-6242 to discuss any further specific questions you may have regarding distracted driving in Wisconsin.