Drayton D. Berkley Trucking Accidents Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Tip On How To Avoid Trucking Accidents

Monday, November 23, 2009 by Drayton D. Berkley

We have all felt the fear of driving alongside or in front of a massive truck; it is not difficult to imagine how dangerous an accident would be. How can we avoid truck accidents?

Understand the Truck’s Limitations

Every driver should know a truck’s limitations. A truck cannot stop as quickly or within the same distance as an automobile can, and the faster the speed, the longer it takes a truck to stop. A truck traveling at 55 miles per hour will need nearly 300 feet – three football fields – to stop, and that is with good brakes in good weather conditions.

Trucks have very wide blind spots where an automobile is not visible to the truck driver. These blind spots occur alongside the truck, behind the truck, and in front of the truck. If you cannot see the driver’s face in the side mirror or window, then the driver cannot see you. If you are passing a truck, do not move back into the right lane until you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror.

Make Allowances for the Weather, the Traffic, and the Road

Trucks fare no better in bad weather than automobiles, and in fact, bad weather may increase the truck’s limitations, particularly with respect to slowing and stopping. If you are following a truck, make sure to stay back for at least a ten second count. Start counting when a truck’s bumper has passed a mile marker – you should not pass the same mile marker for at least a count of ten.

Make Allowances for Bad Truck Drivers

We rarely assume that all drivers on the road are good, or even adequate drivers, and so we drive defensively. Despite their training, there are also truck drivers who should not be driving. If you are concerned about a truck driving near you, and you cannot safely put distance between yourself and the truck, get off the road. Pull into a rest stop, or let the truck pass you. Nothing can be gained by challenging the truck driver.

This article is provided by the experienced Tennessee truck accident attorney at the Berkley Law Firm PLLC, 877.224.1131, www.berkleytruckinglaw.com. 81 Monroe, Ste 400 Memphis, TN 38103

Posted at 11:44 AM

Topic: Trucking Accidents