Sharing the roads with large trucks can be challenging and intimidating. Understanding the dynamics of these larger vehicles, such as trucks, semi-trucks, buses, and other large commercial vehicles (CMVs), is crucial. These vehicles require more time and distance to slow down and stop, making it essential for car drivers to navigate around them safely. This understanding can help reduce the risk of fatal crashes. In this article, we at MacGillis Wiemer, LLC share how you can ensure safety while sharing roads with trucks, thereby avoiding unforeseen circumstances.
Why to Drive Different When Sharing Roads with Trucks?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states that more than 4,000 severe accidents involve semi-trucks and large commercial vehicles annually. According to the National Safety Council, there is a reduction in the number of truck collisions, but trucks remain the significant number of fatal accidents each year. This is why car drivers must drive more carefully alongside trucks and CMVs. These vehicles are heavier and need more space to maneuver; they have larger blind spots, wider turning radiuses, and longer stopping distances than cars. This implies that you could still get in a truck accident, so driving more carefully is essential. If you or your loved one has been injured in a truck accident, MacGillis Wiemer, LLC is dedicated to fighting for justice for injured victims. Our team of Milwaukee car accident lawyers handles the legal details of your case so you can recover from injuries.
Duty of Drivers to Maintain Road Safety
Large CMVs and truck drivers are obliged to a higher standard and follow various federal laws. However, road safety is everyone’s duty, and this responsibility applies to all drivers, regardless of whether they are driving a car or a truck. While most accidents involve large CMVs, significant crashes are also caused by car drivers. Some of the common reasons for crashes with trucks are negligence of the following:
- Not keeping a safe distance
- Overspeeding
- Driving while under the influence of substance
- Driving out of the traffic lane
- Driving distracted or drowsy
The main mistake in a car and truck crash is distracted driving. Distracted or impaired driving can be fatal, leading to accidents involving trucks and large CMVs. Driving while using a phone, engaging in distracting activities, or under the influence of alcohol or substances is a major cause of accidents. It’s crucial to avoid these distractions and stay focused on the road to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
How Can Car Drivers Share the Road With Trucks More Safely?
Sharing the road with trucks or other large CMVs is different than driving around cars. To stay safe, we share some tips:
- Pass with Caution: When you pass a truck, ensure you can see the vehicle in the mirror. Remember to avoid passing larger CMVs from the right or on the downgrade.
- Avoid Blind Spots: Large Trucks have larger blind spaces than cars. These blind spots are known as ‘no-zones,’ areas around the truck where the driver’s visibility is limited. It is best to avoid these blind spots on both sides, front and back.
- Watch for Wide Turns: Trucks have a wider turning radius than cars, so when a Truck Driver is taking a turn, they need to use more than one lane. So, ensure to pick up signals from the truck driver and give them sufficient space to complete the turn.
- Keep Your Eyes on the Road: Avoid being distracted and stay focused on the road. This ensures you are safe on the road and others’ safety. Avoid speaking on the phone or driving under the influence of alcohol or substance.
- Avoiding Cutting off a Large Truck: Cutting off a large truck can be fatal. This is because trucks or other large CMVs need more time to time and distance to stop than cars, and cutting them off can cause the truck driver to put brakes or swerve out of the lane.
MacGillis Wiemer, LLC: Trusted Car Accident Lawyers
If you have been injured in a crash with a tuck or other large CMVs, MacGillis Weimer, LLC is here to provide you with expert legal help and support. With our years of experience as a trusted Milwaukee car accident lawyer, we provide the support you need. Let us protect you. For free consultation, call us today.