Truck accidents are generally more severe and debilitating when compared to average car accident injuries due to the discrepancy in size between large commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Du to the sheer volume of energy that is transferred in a truck collision, few objects are known to withstand the force of such an impact without sustaining considerable damage.
Considering the large amounts of cargo and passengers that trucks, buses, delivery vans, 18 wheelers, tow trucks and coaches carry around our nation, it’s paramount that the drivers of these big rigs are as careful and cautious as possible.
While truck accidents can be caused by either the actions of the truck driver or by the driver of the car, the good news is that many serious truck wrecks can be prevented by using some simple truck driver safety tips and a bit of common courtesy on our roads.
While there are often many factors that contribute to collisions that involve trucks and other big rigs, by following some simple pointers, drivers can help to minimize their chances of occurring.
Some of these can include (but are not limited to):
Maintain Your Vehicle
It is important to inspect your truck on a regular basis. Before getting on the road, fully inspect your truck, taking time to ensure that your brakes are functioning properly.
Make Sure Youre Well Rested
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure to get plenty of rest. Keep in mind that hours of service regulations were created for a reason, and violating these regulations could be detrimental both to your livelihood and to your safety.
Be Aware of No-Zones”
Due to the size of most commercial trucks, there are large areas of limited to zero visibility known as No-Zones or “Blind Zones”. Collisions are more likely to occur in a No-Zone. About one-third of all accidents between a truck and a car takes place in the trucks blind spot.
Exercise Caution in Construction Zones
Approximately one-third of work zone fatalities involve a truck accident. Slowing down and being alert in construction zones can significantly decrease your chances of being involved in an accident.
Wear a Seatbelt
In the event of a truck accident, wearing a seatbelt can keep you from suffering a serious injury. A seat belt can save your life in an accident by keeping you from being ejected from the vehicle.
Drive Defensively
About two-thirds of all traffic fatalities are a result of aggressive driving behavior. Using your trucks size to look ahead for dangerous driving situations or for reckless drivers sharing the road can help you anticipate or avoid potential truck accidents. Always avoid aggressive driving.
Keep Reasonable Driving Distance
Large trucks require more stopping distance than the average passenger vehicle. Keeping a reasonable distance between your truck and the car in front of you will allow you to brake safely given an emergency situation that forces you to stop abruptly. If you are in an accident use this checklist of steps after an accident.
Report Highway Issues
Whether it is an unsafe company, driver, roadway or vehicle that you witness, reporting safety issues can help to keep you and fellow motorists safe on Arizona highways. To report any safety concerns to authorities, keep the following numbers on you while you are behind the wheel:
Keep Up To Date
By continually renewing any hazmat certifications, driver training courses or other related, skill-enhancing certifications, you can help to ensure that you are well informed and educated about the latest developments in your industry.
An example of this is simply by having the correct material safety data sheet (MSDS) in your cabin when hauling hazardous cargo – which can help to advise first responders on how to handle and contain any potentially hazardous materials that may leak after a crash.
Simply by following some of these suggestions can help to dramatically reduce the chances of a road crash, along with making your journey safer and more enjoyable.
As responsible members of our local communities, here at the Phillips Law Group, we strongly believe that driver education is an important part of helping to reduce injuries and fatalities on the roads of Arizona, and across this nation.
You will find many other relevant articles throughout this website, which have been posted online in the hopes that they will help those that are seeking this type of information.
In the event that you become an accident victim due to the negligence of another person or object, please contact us on 602-222-2222 . Upon receiving you call, a member from our intake team will quickly obtain some details about your injury and then connect you to one of our lawyers – it’s that easy.
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