A fully-loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 40 times heavier than a normal passenger vehicle, which makes trucks among the most dangerous vehicles we share the road with. One of the best ways to ensure your safety and the safety of those who share road with is to avoid driving in a truck’s blind spots. In this blog, our Bowling Green truck accident attorney shares how safely navigate around a truck.
Don’t Drive in a Truck’s No-Zone
Every large commercial truck has several no-zones that you should try your best to steer clear of when driving. No-zones refer to the areas where, if driving in it, the truck driver is unable to see you. Because of the lack of visibility no-zones impose, it’s imperative that you avoid them altogether. On any given 18-wheeler, no-zones include the area directly behind the truck, in front of the truck, and beside the truck’s passenger door.
Practice Extra Precaution When Passing
Especially if you’re in a rush, there are few things more inconvenient than driving behind a semi-truck. While your first instinct may be to quickly cut in and out of lanes to put the truck behind you, you should take the time you need to make sure the move you are making is safe. A common rule of thumb to follow when passing a truck is to check your rearview mirror between getting back in the lane – if you can see the front of the truck in its entirety in your mirror, you have enough space to move back into the lane.
Keep an Eye Out for Mirrors
If you’ve lost sight of a truck’s mirrors, it’s very likely that the truck driver cannot see you. Although truck drivers are sometimes required to make note to warn other drivers of this risk, some truck drivers fail to adhere to these regulations.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to put the Law Office of Pamela C. Bratcher on your side. Call (270) 783-8311 to schedule a free consultation with a Bowling Green truck accident today!