Driving on the highway is fraught with risks, considering the sheer speed of the vehicles. Large vehicles are an even more daunting concern. A collision with a truck can be fatal for car drivers and passengers. While you cannot do much about a negligent driver behind the wheel, defensive driving can help you reduce the risk of mishaps. Moreover, being aware of the unspoken rules of highway driving can keep you safe even as you navigate the busy lanes and share the road with high-speed vehicles. Let us share some valuable motorist safety tips to avert truck accidents.
Maintain a safe distance
Maintaining a safe distance when following a truck is a reliable safety measure for motorists. Ideally, it should be more than the distance with a passenger car because larger vehicles limit your visibility. You cannot visualize hazardous travel conditions, slow or stopped traffic, or construction ahead of the truck. Keeping a safe distance enables you to react quickly if you need to stop or swerve your vehicle. Likewise, you must also leave ample space while driving in front of a truck.
Stay out of blind spots
Staying out of a truck’s blind spot can be a lifesaver and is easier than you imagine. You only need to look at the vehicle’s side mirrors and check if you can see the driver’s face. You are in a blind spot if the driver’s face is not visible, so adjust your position to stay safe. Also, remember to overtake the truck on the driver’s side as the blind spot is smaller, so there is hardly a chance of an accident.
Beware of negligent drivers
Nothing matters more than keeping an eye on negligent truck drivers because you can find plenty of them on American highways. Even the best motorists can fall prey to mishaps if they fail to spot erratic driving behaviors and avoid such vehicles. Accidents may still happen, so you must know how to handle them. Experts at Chuck Franklin Law recommend gathering as much evidence as possible, as it can strengthen your compensation claim. You can ask an eyewitness to take pictures and note details if you are severely injured.
Watch where you stop
Motorists often pull over on the highways to take breaks during long drives. You may also need to stop if a child needs to pee. Whatever the reason, avoid stopping between exits and stop only at a designated pull-off spot. You may find a wide shoulder if you absolutely need to pull off. It limits the chances of a mishap due to a passing truck swiping your vehicle at a high speed.
Avoid distracted driving
Highway driving is often long and boring, so it is easy to fall for a distraction like checking your phone, talking to fellow passengers, or getting too engrossed in your favorite music. But distracted driving can be fatal on highways as you may miss out on even large vehicles like trucks. Commit to focusing only on the road and ditching distractions. Also, take a break whenever you need to rest.
Truck accidents can be life-threatening, but most of them are avoidable. You can follow these simple driving rules as a motorist to keep the risk at bay.
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