Drive Safely Behind Large Trucks This Summer: Three Tips

By Dina Steele on June 9, 2014

Large trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and stand over fourteen feet tall – and as a vital part of the Texas economy, they’re regularly seen on Texas roads.  By contrast, most passenger vehicles weigh only about 2,500 pounds and may stand only five or six feet high.  In a collision between a large truck and a family car, the passengers in the car may not stand a chance.

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), passenger vehicle drivers cause more accidents than large truck drivers.  These accidents often occur because passenger vehicle drivers don’t know how to maneuver safely around large trucks. Experienced Texas truck accident attorneys recommend that drivers learn how to travel safely around large trucks, keeping in mind tips like these:

• Stay out of the “no zones.” Trucks have much larger blind spots than cars.  Avoid traveling directly in front of, behind, or to the sides of large trucks.  Pass promptly on the left, and make sure you can see the entire front end of the truck before you merge back into the same lane.
• Avoid distractions. Distracted driving puts you at a serious risk of accidents from all sources, including large trucks.  Don’t use your cell phone unless you are safely parked, and minimize other distractions, like loud music, food, and conversations.
• Watch the trucks. Because they sit much higher than passenger vehicle drivers, truck drivers can see further down the road in most situations.  If the trucks around you are slowing down or changing lanes, pay attention and follow their lead if you can.  It’s possible the truck drivers are responding to weather conditions or an upcoming road hazard that you can’t see.

If you have been involved in a Lewisville truck accident, call The Steele Law Firm today for a free, comprehensive consultation.