When we get into our cars to head to work, school, or somewhere fun, we don’t often think about the trust that we need to have in other drivers on the road. In particular, we’re not thinking about the trust we must have in semi-truck drivers who carry large loads of cargo and who drive for several hours each day. We have to trust that they are cautious, awake, and sober when they drive—because when they aren’t, things can get deadly for other drivers on the road. An overturned truck accident is not only dangerous for the driver of the truck, but also for other drivers on the road.
Commercial trucks in the United States can carry a maximum weight of 80,000 pounds. Although not all trucks carry that amount of weight, they all have a larger amount of weight and force than the average car on the road.
This, unfortunately, means that getting into an accident with a commercial truck can cause much more severe injuries or an increased chance of fatality. Truck drivers are expected to follow certain safety protocols and regulations, but you shouldn’t just assume that a commercial truck driver will be the perfect driver. This is why it’s so important to always pay special attention when you are driving near a truck.
Georgia highways are filled with truck drivers, and it’s likely that you’ll see one on any given day. As a driver, it’s important to know how to drive near a semi-truck to keep yourself and your passengers safe at all times.
Here are a few tips to staying safe around semi-trucks when you see them approaching on the highway.
SAFETY TIPS TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT WITH A SEMI TRUCK
One of the best ways to stay safe around a semi-truck is to be aware of their blind spot. Just like a regular car, a truck has a blind spot where it’s difficult to see other drivers on the road who are approaching them from behind, but theirs is much larger.
To avoid driving in a truck’s blind spot, you should never:
- Directly drive behind the truck in the truck’s lane
- Drive to the right where you cannot see the truck’s mirror
- Drive to the left where you cannot see the truck’s mirror
- Drive directly in front of the truck in the truck’s lane
Have you or a loved one been involved in a truck accident in Georgia and received severe injuries from the crash? You’re going to need a legal team who knows your rights. Call the Fry | Goehring at (404) 948-3571 to get more information about pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
