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Truck accidents tend to be more severe and dangerous than crashes involving other types of vehicles. Trucks’ size and the type of cargo they load can increase the likelihood that accidents in which they are involved will cause critical injuries. Truck accident collisions can occur for a variety of reasons, and many different parties can contribute to causing a truck crash.
When a truck collides with a motorcycle or a car, the impact can cause much more significant damage to the car or motorcycle. Motorcycle riders and car passengers can potentially face catastrophic and lifelong injuries in a truck accident.
Accident victims should never take these types of incidents lightly and should ideally consider consulting a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer for advice on how to proceed. In many situations, these accidents and their disastrous results can be prevented with proper precautions.
Here, we have compiled some valuable truck accident prevention tips that can help to minimize the risk of injuries in a crash. Continue reading to learn how you can reduce the risk of suffering damages in a truck accident:
Inspect your vehicle:
Truck drivers and trucking companies should always ensure that every truck is in proper working condition. Before operating the truck, the driver should inspect the vehicle to identify any potential risks. Double-check everything to ensure that there are no obvious hazards. All trucking companies should have a mechanism that ensures drivers can have their trucks inspected before they leave the site.
Pay attention to the weather conditions:
Weather can play a significant role in the occurrence of truck accidents, and inclement weather conditions may affect the decisions you make while you are on the road. In rainy and snowy conditions, drivers should take extra precautions. In extreme weather conditions, a driver may even have to postpone the trip. Poor weather conditions, such as fog, rain, ice, and snow, can negatively affect a truck’s performance. Truck accidents are more likely to occur when the weather is bad. Therefore, before heading out onto the road, all drivers should check the weather and decide on their course of action accordingly.
Give clear signals:
All motorists on the road, including truck drivers, should clearly signal when they plan to change lanes or make a turn. A sudden change in course often increases the risk of an accident. This is why it is so important for drivers to give proper signals while on the road. Even when there does not seem to be any other vehicle on the road, it is still crucial to provide an appropriate indication before changing lanes or turning.
Leave extra space when a truck is passing:
All motorists should avoid driving too closely to trucks, whether from in front or behind. It is a good driving practice to provide a truck with a significant berth due to its size. Driving too closely increases drivers’ risks of experiencing critical consequences in a crash. It may lead to sudden braking, or high winds can contribute to truck rollovers.
Do not drive fatigued:
Under federal law, a commercial driver will have limitations on how many hours they may drive consecutively within a specified time period. However, the driver may not be permitted to drive the maximum allowed number of hours if they had not taken any breaks. It is the responsibility of trucking companies to ensure their drivers follow the law. The companies can be held legally responsible for an accident if they force their drivers to work beyond the appropriate limits. When a driver is fatigued or sleepy, they may put everyone around them at higher risks of an accident. It increases the chances that a truck accident will cause devastating injuries that harm the driver and others on the road.
Be mindful of blind spots:
Blindspot collisions involving large trucks can be incredibly dangerous. When passing a truck on the road, the passing vehicles should move as quickly as possible. There is a high chance that, when another motorist cannot see the truck driver in their side mirror, the truck driver may also not be able to see them. Therefore, other motorists driving on the road should reposition themselves to increase their visibility to truck drivers and eliminate the blind spot. Some blind spots even extend for approximately 30 feet behind the truck. When you are following a truck too closely, you may get into an accident if the truck suddenly brakes.
Follow the trucking laws and speeding regulations:
Truck drivers and trucking companies should ensure that they comply with all relevant laws. Violating the rules could lead to hefty penalties and suspension of a truck driver’s license. The trucking companies can also be held accountable if they do not provide proper training to drivers or screening during the hiring process. The companies must safeguard their drivers by training them properly. Trucking companies should consider conducting workshops and training sessions to ensure their drivers are well-equipped to handle any challenges they may face on the road.
If you are involved in a truck crash, you can schedule a consultation with a skilled truck accident attorney, who can investigate how the accident occurred and help to determine who may be liable. Get in touch with a legal professional to explore your options today.