The trucking industry is a billion dollar business in the United States. Commercial trucks provide an economical way to transport goods from one end of the country to the other; however, this means we must share our roads with these extremely large vehicles.
Each year, thousands of individuals are injured or killed in accidents involving commercial trucks. The majority of the fatalities and injuries (over 70 percent) are the occupants of other vehicles. Therefore, drivers of passenger vehicles must be vigilant when sharing the road with commercial trucks to reduce the risk of being injured in a NoLA large truck accident.
Tips for Sharing the Road With Commercial Trucks
When you are on the road, remember the following tips for sharing the road with commercial trucks to keep you and your loved ones safe.
- Give the truck plenty of room. Trucks require much more room to maneuver on the road than passenger vehicles. Never tailgate or drive too closely to the side of a large truck. Commercial trucks are prone to tire blowouts; therefore, stay further back behind trucks than you would another vehicle. Trucks can also kick up road debris so staying back may prevent damage to your vehicle from flying rocks and other small objects.
- Commercial trucks have more blind spots. If you cannot see yourself in the rear-view mirror of a truck, the driver cannot see you. Learn where the blind spots are for a commercial truck and avoid driving in those areas whenever possible.
- Remember trucks make wide turns. Truck drivers cannot avoid making wide turns due to the size of the vehicle. Never attempt to pass a truck when it is making a turn because the driver will not be able to see you.
- Do not cut in front of a truck. Trucks require a longer distance to stop than smaller vehicles. When passing a commercial truck, allow more room between you and the truck in case the driver must stop suddenly.
- Trucks roll back. When the driver releases the brake, commercial trucks tend to roll back. Leave more room between you and the truck in front of you when it is stopped to allow for roll back when the truck begins to move again.
- Report reckless driving. If you are following a commercial truck that is being driven recklessly or negligently, call the number on the trailer and report the truck to the company. Many of the truck companies boldly display their telephone numbers on the trailer with a truck number so that other drivers can report negligently driving. It is in the truck company’s interest to remove drivers who are risking the safety of everyone on the road by driving in a negligent manner.
- Pay attention. Your best defense against being involved in a commercial truck accident is to remain focused on the task of driving and pay attention. Do not allow yourself to become distracted while driving. Just a few seconds may result in a horrific truck accident. Many truck accidents result due to driver error; therefore, you must watch out for trucks when on the road.
Do You Need a New Orleans Commercial Truck Accident Attorney?
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a commercial truck, The Olinde Firm can help. Our NoLA personal injury attorneys have extensive experience representing individuals injured in accidents involving commercial trucks.
Contact our office for a free case evaluation. Call (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 or contact us online to speak with a representative.