At its full load capacity, a semi-truck can weigh up to 30 times more than a passenger vehicle. For that reason, they are perhaps the most dangerous vehicles we share the road with. Driving alongside big rigs are so deeply rooted in our daily commute, that we often forget to take the extra precautions to ensure that we are being as safe as possible. In this blog, we share a few safety tips to keep in mind.
Don’t Take Any Chances
Many drivers can agree that there are few things more inconvenient than being stuck behind a large commercial truck on the highway. If you notice a truck trying to move into your lane, do not try to speed up in an effort to cut the truck off and have it behind you. Instead, allow the truck to move into your lane and pass it when it is safe to do so.
Avoid the No-Zones
A truck’s “no-zones,” are the blind spots where the truck driver cannot see you. Understanding where they are can help you avoid them. Furthermore, when driving alongside a truck, keep an eye out for its mirrors. If you cannot see the truck’s mirrors, the truck driver cannot see you.
The no-zones surrounding a truck are:
- Directly behind the truck
- Directly in front of the truck
- Beside the truck’s right door (this is the largest blind spot – it extends to the length of the truck’s trailer)
Pass With Caution
When you are ready to pass, it’s recommended that you give yourself more space than you think is necessary. Making sure you can see the front of the truck in your rear-view mirror before returning in the truck’s lane is a common rule of thumb many drivers follow.
The Hartford truck accident attorneys at Zayas Law Firm have served the people of Connecticut since 1990. The dedicated legal professionals that make up our firm have more than 35 years of legal experience, and we are proud to advocate on your behalf. Call us at (888) 486-3037 or fill out our online form to schedule your free case evaluation.