Every Montana driver has encountered a giant semitruck on the highway. Facing these behemoths is probably a normal occurrence for you if you drive on a regular basis. Although 18-wheelers and other large commercial vehicles are common, it does not mean they’re safe. One mistake by a truck driver or passenger car driver can result in a fatal crash in an instance.
Safety around semitrucks is so important that every driver needs to be on alert when they’re close to one. Here are a few things you can do to stay safe:
- Be careful of blind spots: Semitrucks have large blind spots. If you’re driving a passenger car in one of these areas, the truck driver won’t be able to see you. This could result in a crash. Most semitrucks have the following two blind spots: halfway to the back of the semitruck on its left side, and across from the truck driver beyond the front right hood. If you have to pass through these areas in your vehicle, move fast and don’t linger in a semitruck’s blindspot.
- Let the truck merge: If a truck needs to merge, give it as much space as you possibly can. You do not want to play chicken with a vehicle that weighs a great deal more than your car. Also, consider the fact that due to their blind spots, semitruck drivers will not always see you when merging. Always give them as much space as possible.
- Don’t tailgate or cut off a semitruck: Semitrucks move slowly, stop slowly and they’re not as agile as smaller cars. As such, never drive quickly or make fast moves around an 18-wheeler as it may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid a crash.
Following the above tips will help you avoid a potentially fatal semitruck collision. If you do get hurt in a truck crash due to no fault of your own, you may be able to file a lawsuit to seek financial compensation and justice in court.
Source: Prestige Importns, “4 Tips for Staying Safe Around Semi Trucks,” accessed Sep. 21, 2017