If you often drive on the highway, you know how daunting of an experience it can be passing or driving near a large semi-truck. Accidents with these vehicles are some of the most devastating and deadly crashes on the road. But by following a few simple guidelines, you can avoid most, if not all situations that could result into one of these harrowing accidents. If you were injured or lost a loved one in an accident with a truck, consider contacting a Cincinnati car accident attorney.
General Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can be caused for a variety of reasons, some due to the truck driver’s fault and some from other drivers’ errors. While most truck accidents are caused by the same factors as normal car accidents, the stakes are much higher due to the enormous size and weight of commercial trucks.
Some common causes of truck accidents include:
- Unsafe passing directly in front of a truck;
- Inclement weather conditions;
- A car driving in between two trucks;
- Drunk driving;
- Driving inside a truck’s blind-spots;
- Poorly trained truck drivers;
- Truck driver fatigue from excessive scheduling; and
- Systems of compensation for truck drivers that incentivize speed at the expense of safety.
Avoid “No Zones” Around Trucks
When passing or simply driving near a large truck, there are certain blind spots you should avoid in order to mitigate the chance of an accident. A no zone is generally considered the area directly behind or in front of the truck, the area directly to the left of the truck driver and a wide swath to the right of the truck. Basically all areas around the truck should be avoided for any extended period of time. If you must pass a truck, do it quickly and always on the left.
Give Trucks Space
Whether they are turning, changing lanes or just driving normally, you should always give adequate space in case of an emergency. In slippery conditions on the highway, you should allow trucks four to six seconds of space. When a truck is taking a turn at an intersection you may have to back up to allow the truck the necessary room in which to make the turn.
Safety Tips for Truckers
Safety for truckers is on the shoulders of both the drivers and the management. Overly arduous scheduling with little room for sleep can produce deadly consequences. Truck drivers should be the most alert drivers on the road considering the responsibility they carry. Truck drivers should also always drive defensively and maintain the vehicle to the highest standard of care.
Contact a Cincinnati Car Accident Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Cincinnati, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced Ohio car accident attorney. At the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers , our attorneys are ready to advocate for your rights. Contact us online or call us today to schedule your first, and free, meeting with our legal professionals.
