Operating a passenger vehicle in proximity to commercial trucks is easier said than done. This is especially true when you consider the fact that many truckers don’t follow the rules of the road.
Here are five tips that can help you avoid a car-truck accident:
- Avoid blind spots: This includes the area directly behind and directly next to a commercial truck.
- Watch yourself when changing lanes: For example, don’t speed by a truck in the left lane and then abruptly cut in front of it to return to the right lane.
- Merge carefully: Commercial trucks are more difficult to maneuver than passenger vehicles. You need to take special caution when merging, such as being careful about speeding up to get in front of a truck.
- Never drive between large trucks: If you must do this, minimize the amount of time you find yourself in this position.
- Pull off the road completely: If you’re stopping your vehicle on the highway for any reason, such as to make a repair, leave as much space between you and traffic as possible. Even better, try to make your way to an exit before stopping.
You want to do everything you can to avoid a car-truck accident, as these are extremely dangerous.
If you find yourself part of an accident, call 911 and wait for help to arrive. You’ll want to receive immediate medical care while letting the responding officer take over the investigation.
Once you’re stable, contact your insurance company, review the police report and begin to collect evidence that can help you hold the trucker responsible for their negligence.