Tips For Avoiding A Truck Accident In San Antonio
Transport trucks and other large commercial vehicles are very intimidating on the road. As a driver of a passenger vehicle, you may think there is little you can do to avoid an accident with one. All you can do is hope the driver is competent and acts responsibly. Fortunately, that is not true and many truck drivers on the road are working long hours with not enough quality sleep. There are some steps that you can take to prevent a crash with a large truck. Below, our San Antonio truck accident lawyer explains what these are.
Avoid No Zones
The blind spots on a truck are called ‘no zones’ because no vehicle should ever remain in them for a long period of time. Trucks have very large no zones on all sides and it is important to know what these are. Generally speaking, if you cannot see the truck driver, either directly or in their side mirror, they cannot see you. If you cannot see the driver, slow down to stay behind the truck or cautiously move ahead so you are in front of it.
Pass with Caution
Trucks simply do not move as quickly as other vehicles and so, you will likely have to pass one at some point or another. When passing a truck, do so on the left side of the truck and pass quickly but cautiously. Once you have passed, make sure you can see the entire truck in your rearview mirror before moving back in front of it.
Do Not Follow Trucks Too Closely
It is important to leave a minimum of four car lengths between your vehicle and any truck in front of you. Passenger vehicles are almost three times more likely to hit a large truck from behind than the other way around. If you follow a truck too closely, you may not be able to see the road in front of you and the trucker will definitely not be able to see you. You may even get pulled under the truck in an underride accident, which are usually fatal.
Leave Space for Wide Turns
Trucks make very wide turns and they typically need a radius of 55 feet. Watch for turn signals and try to anticipate when a truck may turn so you do not become stuck between the side of the truck and the curb. This can result in a sideswipe accident, which can also be fatal when the other vehicle is a large truck.
Do Not Use Your Bright Lights
At night, do not use your bright lights when approaching a truck either from behind or in front. Bright lights can temporarily blind a truck driver, which can cause a very serious accident.
Call Our Truck Accident Lawyer in San Antonio After a Crash
The above tips are very important for avoiding a crash, but accidents still happen. When they do, you need the help of our experienced San Antonio truck accident lawyer at the Law Office of Israel Garcia. Our seasoned attorney can determine how the crash occurred, identify the liable or responsible parties, and help prove-up the amount of damages that you have suffered, so that you can obtain a fair settlement that accounts for everything that has been taken from you. Call or text us now at 210-LAW-9999 or chat with us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more.
Source:
fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/large-blind-spots
