Whether you’re traveling in Denver or elsewhere in the United States, the odds of you riding alongside a huge commercial vehicle like a tractor trailer at any given moment are very high. Some drivers admittedly become a bit nervous when driving near or beside big rigs; however, as your Denver truck accident lawyer knows, there are ways to keep yourself and your passengers safe when sharing the road with trucks.
The results of accidents stemming from tractor trailer/automobile collisions can be life-changing or even fatal. Sadly, those driving smaller vehicles aren’t always able to avoid being in a collision with a big rig, mainly because they have no way to control the trucker’s driving actions and techniques.
Additionally, unsuspecting automobile drivers may be dealing with a trucker who has not gotten enough sleep and is driving fatigued, or he or she may be driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. There’s no way to know ahead of time what you may be dealing with when traveling with other vehicles on area roadways, but there are definitely ways to stay as safe as possible.
Stay Safe: Always Remain Watchful and Cautious Around Big Trucks
There are several things that automobile drivers can (and should) do to lessen the risk of colliding with a huge commercial vehicle. One thing that many automobile operators may not realize is that trucks do not have the same ability to “stop on a dime” as smaller vehicles do. They also do not have the ability to maneuver through traffic the same way as passenger vehicles.
That being the case, it is important to stress that automobile drivers should always maintain a safe distance from the tractor trailer. This is crucial, particularly if you find yourself in a situation in which you are traveling in front of a truck and you need to stop suddenly — you certainly want the trucker to have sufficient time to stop the truck and room enough to avoid a crash.
Additionally, it is also imperative to remember to pass at a safe distance. All too often, we see drivers who will speed up to overtake a truck and then immediately get back in front of the truck without providing sufficient space. Making this move could result in the trucker having to brake suddenly, which could ultimately result in a major accident.
Finally, another key point to remember when traveling on a highway alongside a tractor trailer is to never stay beside the tractor trailer any longer than necessary for you to pass the truck. Sometimes, this cannot be avoided and you may find yourself traveling side-by-side with a big rig for many miles. That said, vehicle drivers are encouraged to either pass a truck immediately upon approach or drop back behind the truck, ensuring that you are far back enough for the trucker to see you in the side mirrors.
If you or your loved ones have been injured in a truck accident, help is available to you. Contact a knowledgeable truck accident attorney at Levine Law today to discuss your legal options.
