Tips for Sharing the Road with Semi-Trucks

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.