Dallas Truck Accident Law Firm – Driver Safety

When it comes to truck accidents, many people tend to focus solely on the behaviors of the truck driver involved.  While truck drivers are encouraged to operate their large vehicles with driver safety and laws in mind, it is also good for other motorists to be aware of how they can improve their own behaviors while sharing the road with trucks.  By following the driver safety tips below, motor vehicle drivers can, in fact, reduce their chances of being involved in a fatal crash with a truck.  Here are some tips which can help improve driver safety:

• When approaching a large truck like an 18 wheeler, semi or tractor trailer, be as alert as possible.  Trucks operate differently than other types of motor vehicles and need more space to do things such as make turns, change lanes or make a complete stop.
• It takes a large truck, like an 18 wheeler, 40% more time to make a complete stop than it does any other type of motor vehicle.  For this reason, other motorists should be careful not to suddenly stop, change lanes too quickly or tailgate.
• Motorists should be aware of truck drivers’ blind spots and try to remain clear of those blind spots, if possible.
• Motorists should never turn right when a truck is turning right.  When a truck turns right, it must weave left and will make an extremely wide turn, which can compromise the safety of other motorists that are turning right.
• Motorists should maintain a consistent speed when they are in front of or behind trucks.  When passing a truck on the highway, motorists should only accelerate slightly and signal well before they attempt to pass the truck. 
• If it is raining or if the roads are slippery, give truck drivers at least 4 to 6 seconds of space when driving behind them. 
• If you believe that a truck driver is driving recklessly or that a truck driver is under the influence, call law enforcement immediately.

If you are ready to learn more about how our Dallas trucking accident attorneys can help you recover compensation for your injuries and property damage, contact us today!