You may know that, based on the sheer size of an 18-wheeler, driving near one in Texas is dangerous. While many drivers are naturally anxious around commercial trucks, it is less common for drivers to know specific rules to follow to avoid accidents. The right driving tips around trucks can enhance your safety and reduce the risk of a catastrophic truck accident. If you were injured in an accident, please do not hesitate to contact a San Antonio truck accident lawyer.
Avoid the No-Zone
Semi-trucks have enormous blind spots that surround the truck on all four sides. These areas are essentially invisible to truck drivers, putting them at high risk for blind spot accidents. As a driver, staying out of the “No Zone” is essential for preventing merge or lane-change accidents with 18-wheelers. As a general rule, if you cannot see the truck driver in the side mirror, it’s safe to assume that the driver can’t see your vehicle.
Pass as Soon as Possible
Increased accident risks associated with tractor-trailers make it a wise decision to pass as quickly as possible when you encounter one on a Texas road or highway. To pass a big rig, signal your intent to change lanes clearly. Move into the lane to the left of the truck and safely accelerate to promptly pass.
Do not linger in one of the truck’s blind spots if you can help it. Don’t pull back in front of the truck until it is clearly visible in your rearview mirror. Never pass from the right lane. Avoid passing on a downgrade, as the truck may have difficulty reducing its speed to avoid hitting you.
Finally, be prepared for the wind draft effect that can occur when you pass an 18-wheeler. Continue to pass smoothly and quickly. Don’t overreact to the sensation or overcorrect, or you could lose control of your vehicle.
Leave Extra Space
Semi-trucks should be treated with more caution than the average passenger car or small truck. You can improve your safety by always leaving a big rig extra space to stop and maneuver. You should never cut a large truck off, for example, as they require more time to come to a stop than the average vehicle.
A truck also requires ample space when it is turning. A truck towing a trailer has to make a wide turn, or swing out to the left when turning right. Keep a safe distance away from a truck that is signaling its intent to turn to avoid getting stuck in its path.
Be Patient
While patience is important in any driving scenario, it is especially critical to exercise patience when driving around an 18-wheeler. Large trucks are subject to special laws, often including reduced speed limits. Tailgating a large truck, weaving in and out of multiple lanes, and driving aggressively will not speed the truck up. It will only serve to create dangerous conditions that are more conducive to truck accidents.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is a serious crash risk under any circumstances, but driver inattention is especially dangerous when driving near a semi-truck. Taking your eyes off the road to read a text, check the GPS, eat or adjust the radio can be enough to cause a truck accident.
Road and traffic conditions can change at any given moment. Stay alert and vigilant to do your part to prevent trucking collisions. This includes avoiding distractions, getting enough rest and not driving while drowsy, and never driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you get into an accident with an 18-wheeler, contact a San Antonio personal injury lawyer from Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free consultation about your legal rights. You may be eligible for financial compensation.