As a driver, you should live by the mantra of “knowledge is power.” The more you understand about truck accidents, including why they happen, the easier it is for you to prevent trouble on the roadway.
There are two general types of car-truck accidents:
- Those that are caused by the driver of a passenger vehicle
- Those that are caused by a trucker
Here are some of the unsafe acts that you want to avoid when operating your motor vehicle:
- Driving in a trucker’s blind spot: More specifically, this is the area directly next to or behind a commercial truck. A trucker is unable to see your vehicle when you’re driving here.
- Abrupt lane changes: You’re in such a hurry to change lanes that you never consider how much space you should leave. If you quickly change lanes in front of a truck, the trucker may not have enough time to slow down. This can result in a rear-end collision.
- Passing in the right lane: In addition to abrupt lane changes, avoid passing a commercial truck (or any vehicle, for that matter) in the right lane. The left lane is for passing.
- Improper merging: As you drive down an on-ramp, pay close attention to any vehicles moving toward yours. One mistake when merging, such as pulling in front of a fast moving truck, can cause an accident.
Truckers are often the ones responsible for an accident. Here are some of the mistakes they can make:
- Inadequate training: Without the proper training, such as that related to defensive driving, there’s a greater chance of an accident.
- Excessive speeding: There will always be times when a trucker drives slightly faster than the speed limit. However, if they’re driving entirely too fast in an attempt to make up time, it puts everyone at risk.
- Distracted driving: Truckers spend a lot of time on the road, meaning they’re more prone to become distracted. This can include things such as texting, talking on a cellphone and eating.
- Drowsy driving: Truckers don’t always get the sleep they need to remain alert. This can result in drowsy driving and an increased risk of a crash.
Understanding the most common causes of truck accidents can help you avoid trouble. If you’re still involved in a crash, focus your immediate attention on your health. You’ll have time in the future to file an insurance claim and seek the compensation you deserve.