Safe Driving Tips: Sharing the Road With Big Rigs
The ever-growing construction on Orlando roadways is more than just a headache; it could be a safety concern. Payer Law, specializing in Orlando personal injury attorney law, wants you to be cautious on the roadway and provide you with these safe driving tips for sharing the road with big rigs.
Why You Should Protect Yourself
Accidents involving large trucks, or big rigs, tend to be more deadly than normal accidents. Due to the size difference, the passengers of the smaller vehicle tend to suffer more severe injuries than the driver of the truck. It’s important to be proactive to reduce the odds of a collision. If an accident occurs be sure to find a qualified Orlando personal injury attorney to help.
Safe Driving Tips: The Dos and Don’ts with Big Rigs
- Don’t Drive in the Blind Spots
Every vehicle has blind spots, but big rigs have much larger blind spots than a typical passenger vehicle. The broad sides block many sight angles, despite the driver being at a higher vantage point.
- Do Leave Space
Big rigs take longer to slow down or stop than a passenger vehicle. It is recommended drivers stay at least 30 feet from the back of the truck to avoid colliding with the truck if it stops. Never follow too closely because the driver will not be able to see you. To avoid being rear-ended by a truck you should stay at least 20 feet away from the front of the vehicle. Try to keep at least one lane from the left or two lanes from the right of a truck to avoid the driver merging into your vehicle.
- Don’t Linger
As soon as you are able to pass a big rig without speeding safely, do so. When passing a big rig be aware of the wind tunnel caused by the large sides that may push and pull your vehicle and be as safe as possible. If you minimize the amount of time your vehicle is near a big rig, you will reduce your risk of an accident.
- Do Yield
Be sure to follow the standard rules of the road and yield the right-of-way to a truck when applicable. Just because a truck is moving slower, does not mean that you get right-of-way. Remember trucks take much longer to make turns. Just be patient.
- Don’t Assume a Truck’s Speed
The speed of a truck is often deceptive. Many drivers assume the big rig is moving at a slower speed. This frequently causes t-bone collisions as drivers try to rush in front of a big rig. Be aware of oncoming traffic and only pull in front of a big rig when you are safely able to do so.
Contact Us Now
Utilizing safe driving tips may provide increased protection from an unwelcome accident. It’s important to be proactive to reduce the odds of a collision.However, if you were recently involved in a crash with a big rig or large truck an Orlando personal injury attorney may be able to get you the compensation you’re entitled to receive. Call Payer Law today.
