The bigger the vehicle, sometimes the bigger the accident. When a car, motorcycle or pickup truck has an accident with a big rig, they often lose. One of the best approaches is prevention.
Being proactive and educated about the possibilities and causes of accidents, can help to keep everyone on the road safe. However, accidents happen. All the planning and proactivity cannot always prevent accidents.
Common causes of truck accidents
There are certain defensive driving mistakes that motorists make that can lead to being involved in a motor vehicle accident with an 18-wheeler. Let’s take a closer look at driving behaviors to avoid:
- Blind spots: All vehicles have “blind spots” where areas are not covered by mirrors. Driving in trucks’ blind spots is a huge mistake that invites trouble.
- Cutting off trucks: Because of their enormous size and weight, trucks need more time and space to stop. Vehicles that change lanes abruptly and cut off trucks can risk being rear-ended.
- Turns: 18-wheelers need more distance to make turns and this is often publicized in warning signs on trucks. “Caution. Wide turns,” means that if caught in the large turning radius of a truck is a dangerous place to be.
- Air turbulence: Big trucks produce big air currents. When passing or being passed by a truck it is important to maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel to avoid being blown off the road.
- Passing: Due to trucks’ longer size, it is important to factor in the amount of time and distance that one has to safely pass.
- Merging: When merging into traffic it is important to maintain a speed that is commensurate with the flow of traffic. Failing to do so could cause an accident.
The above are only a few of the common causes of accidents. The possibilities and ways things can go wrong are almost limitless. Being aware of these driving mistakes can be helpful to avoid preventable motor vehicle accidents.
If injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler, it can be beneficial to have strong legal counsel that is experienced in personal injury due to truck accidents in Texas.