Practical Tips for Avoiding Truck Accidents

Large commercial trucks are always present on the roads and highways of America, and they are accountable for over 500,000 accidents every year. The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) also states that commercial truck accidents account for 98% of annual traffic fatalities that involve automobile drivers. While it is a good idea to try to avoid driving behind or beside a commercial truck such as an 18-wheeler, it is impossible to avoid doing so at times.
Due to their immense size and enormous weight, commercial trucks handle differently than normal automobiles. Big rigs and other large trucks usually require more time to start and stop, and take a longer period of time to accelerate as well. When a large commercial truck is involved in a collision or accident with another automobile, the results are catastrophic. The victims of truck accidents have a far greater chance of suffering serious injury or fatality because of the size, weight and speed of large trucks. The devastating nature of semi-truck accidents has led to the formation of a Semi Truck Accident Victims Center that serves innocent victims in the United States.

One of the best ways that we can protect against the devastating consequences of truck accidents is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Every driver should practice defensive driving skills and be on the alert at all times for bad or reckless drivers. One of the contributing causes of commercial truck accidents is related to the large blind spots located in the front, back and sides of large trucks. Bikers and automobile drivers are in danger for collision if they spend a period of time riding in a truck driver’s blind spot.

These blind spots in commercial trucks can also lead to accidents and fatalities because of what is called the “right hook”. This term refers to the large right turn that truck drivers make when their tractor trailer swings out to the left. Right hook turns are one of the leading causes of bicycle fatalities, and driver should also be sure to give trucks extra space around turns. Be on the alert for turn signals, brake lights and backup lights from commercial trucks and other vehicles as well.

Above all, you should notify the proper authorities if you notice that a truck driver is driving aggressively or carelessly. It is better to pull off the road and let the truck pass, than to risk getting in a serious accident. If you or someone you know has been injured because of the negligence or recklessness of a truck driver, you may be able to file a claim for compensation with the help of a Palm Beach truck accident attorney.