An average semi-truck weighs anywhere around 30,000 to 40,000 pounds. No matter how many times you pass a truck, you can never get comfortable sharing a road with them. Their size and weight make them more dangerous than other vehicles on the road and vulnerable to more severe injuries.
Experiencing a truck accident can be a devastating thing. You may acquire injuries that may not allow you to return to your normal life for a long time. You do not deserve to lose the enjoyment out of your life because of a negligent driver. Your truck accident lawyer in Seattle can look into the case and determine your compensation.
Tips for sharing the road with semi-trucks
- Drive responsibly.
The first step to ensuring safety on the road is to drive carefully and follow all the traffic measures. It may sound like an obvious tip, but you may be surprised at the number of truck-related accidents that happen due to negligence. To prevent a collision with a truck, make sure you pay attention to the road at all times. Do not cut off truck drivers and always use appropriate road signals.
- Drive defensively.
No matter how long you have been driving or how good a driver you are, sharing the road with a semi-truck can make anyone nervous. Some of the defensive driving tips that may come in handy include:
- Look for blinkers.
- Watch the vehicle’s location in the lane.
- Pay attention to the near traffic.
- Consider the weather conditions.
- The truck’s ability to stop or react to emergencies.
- Maintain a safe distance.
Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you is a safety rule that applies to all kinds of vehicles. Having enough distance gives you enough room and time to make sudden stops. Remember the 4-second thumb rule to understand how much distance is enough.
- Pass as quickly as possible.
If you are looking to pass a semi-truck, you must do so cautiously. Trucks have blind spots. If a truck decides to switch lanes, they must know how much space there is between you and them. If the truck cannot see you, they cannot avoid an accident either.
- Use your blinkers.
It is best to use your blinkers at night to let the truck know where you are on the road rather than using your bright headlights. These bright lights often blind the drivers, causing a Seattle accident. Blinkers are more forgiving to the eyes and are easier to catch on the road.
Sharing the road with a vehicle that big is certainly scary. However, learning a few safety measures can avoid all kinds of accidents. In case you end in a collision anyway, contact an attorney to fight your case.