People may mistakenly believe driving near commercial vehicles is dangerous because truck drivers need a different skill set than car drivers. These misconceptions could lead to motorists underestimating the risks they face when sharing the road with trucks. The safety of both car and truck drivers on the road can be improved by dispelling these myths and getting help from a Vegas truck accident lawyer.
The following are some of the more widespread misconceptions people have about driving near large trucks:
- Despite having wider mirrors, truck drivers still have significant blind areas in front, behind, and along the truck’s sides, which can extend into multiple adjacent lanes.
- Even while truck drivers are required to have more training and education than other motorists, they are still human and can make mistakes or act recklessly.
- Truck drivers are used to operating on less sleep because of their profession or training. Truck drivers often work long or irregular hours, yet no matter how tired they are, they can not perform at their best behind the wheel. Truck drivers are no more immune to the effects of drowsiness than anyone else.
- Transport firms constantly prioritize safety – Although state and federal regulations mandate trucking businesses hire safe drivers and maintain their vehicles, some companies choose to cut shortcuts in these areas.
- While it is reasonable to believe that a trucking company would prefer to avoid the inconvenience and publicity that come with accident claims, the reality is that corporations and their insurers work hard to avoid having to pay out compensation to affected parties.
What It Is Really Like to Drive Next to Trucks
Commercial trucks are not like regular cars or SUVs on the road, so keep that in mind if you ever find yourself in their vicinity. Moving and stopping in a truck takes more time and space than in a regular car. Simple stops at intersections and lane changes require more advanced planning for truck drivers. Treating a truck like any other car increases the risk of a catastrophic collision.
How to Reduce the Risk of Truck Accidents
Important guidelines for safely sharing the road with large vehicles include:
- Since you can not see what is ahead of a truck, you should give yourself more room. You will have more time to stop in an emergency if there is more room.
- Do not block truck drivers’ paths. They lack the ability to stop as rapidly as private automobiles.
- Make sure you are not in a truck’s blind spot. If you must pass, do it as fast and safely as possible on the left side of the road.
- Keep an eye on the mirrors of the truck. Truck drivers can not see you if they can not see your face in their mirrors.
- Drive carefully near a truck that is turning. Large trucks and buses need more space to turn.
