There are steps that both truck drivers and drivers of standard cars, trucks, and SUVs can take to avoid these accidents. The truck accident injury lawyers at Kennedy Hodges have compiled a list of these tips and hope readers take these thoughts with them the next time they get behind the wheel of a car or truck.
Pay attention to blind spots. Car drivers should do whatever they can to avoid driving in a semi-truck driver's blind spot. A good tip to remember is this: if you cannot see the truck's mirrors, then the driver cannot see you. Truck drivers can also be sure to double and triple check their blind spots before changing lanes, entering or exiting the highway, or making a turn. Sometimes impatient drivers try to sneak by in the shoulder, not anticipating that you are about to make a move.
Don't drive drowsy. We know that truck drivers put in long hours on the road, and as any driver can understand, being in a car for extended periods of time can make a person tired. But all drivers should never attempt to drive a car while under extreme exhaustion. Signs of drowsy driving are not limited to the overnight hours, and include swerving within their lane or over to the shoulder of the highway. Drowsy drivers may also slow down and then speed up frequently, which can be a sign that their foot is taking pressure off of the gas as they start to fall asleep, then startle themselves awake and speed up. Frequent braking could also be a sign that the driver's drowsiness is causing a slow reaction time. Watch out for all of these signs, and call the police right away if you notice them happening.
Be careful when merging onto highways. Racing by to try and beat a semi-truck on or off the highway is never a good idea. Nor is it safe for a truck driver to do the same. The sheer weight of a semi-truck is what causes it to take nearly 400 feet to come to a complete stop. That means that if you are merging onto the expressway in front of a truck and you don't move fast enough, chances are that you will be rear-ended. Always give yourself enough time to merge properly, and wait for the truck to pass if you feel you won't have enough space.
If you have been injured in a California truck accident, order Steinberg Injury Lawyers's free book, The Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Ruin Your California Injury Case by calling 800-989-6385. Their experienced Santa Monica truck accident injury lawyers also provide you with a free case evaluation when you fill out an online form.
