18-wheeler accidents are among the most devastating and deadly incidents on the road. The high speeds these vehicles travel, and their immense size and weight can result in catastrophic consequences. While truck drivers need to do everything in their power to prevent accidents, there are steps that passenger vehicle drivers can take to avoid these tragic events. Here are some tips to help ensure it doesn’t happen to you.
Sharing the Road with Semi Trucks
Just as we must be mindful of our interactions with bicyclists on the road, it’s equally important to be aware of our surroundings when driving near semi-trucks. These large vehicles play a critical role in our economy, transporting goods and services that make our daily lives possible.
However, their sheer size and weight can make them intimidating for other drivers to share the road with. Here are some tips for safely navigating the roads alongside semi-trucks.
Stay Away from Truck Blind Spots
One of the most important things you can do when driving near semi trucks is to stay out of their blind spots. Semi-trucks come equipped with larger mirrors to compensate for their larger blind spots, but even with these mirrors, the blind spots are much larger than those in a passenger vehicle. To stay safe while driving near semi trucks, it’s crucial to understand where these blind spots are and how to avoid them.
A great way to get a sense of the size of a truck’s blind spots is to refer to a vehicle diagram. Areas highlighted in red in the diagram represent the truck’s blind spots, where the truck driver may not be able to see you. For example, a truck driver would have no idea if you were driving 10 feet behind the truck in its rear blind spot. To stay safe, it’s important to avoid driving in these areas whenever possible.
If you find yourself in a truck’s blind spot, take action to get out of it as soon as possible. This could mean speeding up or slowing down to change lanes. The key is to avoid lingering in the blind spot, which increases the risk of a collision or serious accident. By understanding the size and location of semi trucks’ blind spots and taking steps to avoid them, you can help keep yourself and other drivers on the road safe.
Avoid Quick Stops
Driving near semi-trucks can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to sudden stops. Car drivers need to be extra cautious when sharing the road with these large vehicles, as they can be challenging to maneuver. To stay safe on the road, following some basic safety tips when driving near semi-trucks is important.
One of the most important things to remember is that semi-trucks take much longer to come to a full stop than normal passenger cars. According to data, at 65 mph, a normal passenger car takes 300 feet to come to a full stop, while a 40-ton 18-wheeler takes 600 feet. This means that if you’re driving behind a semi-truck and suddenly brake, there’s a good chance that the truck won’t be able to stop in time to avoid a collision.
To minimize the risk of an accident, it’s best to give semi trucks a little extra space on the road. This can help ensure you have plenty of room to stop if necessary. Additionally, you should avoid breaking suddenly or cutting in front of a semi-truck, as this can cause the driver to lose control.
Pass Quickly and Safely
You will likely want to drive faster than a commercial truck when on the highway. This means you will want to pass them. Passing commercial trucks comes with a different set of risks.
When passing a commercial truck on the highway, make sure to move through the truck driver’s blind spot quickly to avoid an accident. Wait until the lane is clear beyond the blind spots, then accelerate. Also, be aware of the truck’s turn signals and avoid passing until it has completed its maneuver to prevent accidents.
Give Trucks Space to Turn
While sharing the road with commercial trucks on the highway requires caution, it’s at stop lights where many accidents can occur. When commercial trucks turn, they often take long and awkward angles to ensure their trailers don’t hit anything. This can be frustrating for car drivers in a hurry, but it’s important to be patient and give the truck extra space they need to turn safely.
Trying to shoot through an intersection while a truck is turning can result in a serious accident, so it’s always better to wait and let the truck driver complete their maneuver. Remember, being patient and cautious can help prevent accidents and keep everyone on the road safe.
Avoid High Beams
When driving around commercial trucks, it’s important to remember that their cabs sit much higher than the average car. This means that your high beams can be particularly blinding to truck drivers.
While turning off your high beams around other drivers is always a good practice, it’s especially important to do so when you’re sharing the road with commercial trucks. Failing to do so can not only blind the truck driver but it can also cause an accident if they’re unable to see the road ahead clearly. Remember to be considerate of other road drivers, and always ensure your high beams are turned off when driving near commercial trucks.
Limit Distractions
When sharing the road with commercial trucks, it’s important to be mindful of distractions. While you can’t control how a commercial truck driver handles distractions, you can make sure that you’re not adding to the problem by limiting your own distractions. Research shows that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on the road.
By taking steps to limit distractions, such as putting your phone away, refraining from eating or drinking, and focusing on the road ahead, you’ll be better able to drive defensively and avoid any potential accidents. While commercial truck drivers have to adhere to various regulations and laws to ensure they drive safely, you also have a responsibility to drive safely and avoid distractions that could put you and other drivers in danger.
Truck Accidents Caused by Passenger Vehicles
According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 90% of accidents involving commercial trucks and passenger cars were caused by the car driver. This means that it is crucial for car drivers to take the necessary precautions to avoid accidents with large trucks.
While truck drivers are responsible for following all regulations and doing their best to prevent accidents, it takes cooperation from all drivers on the road to avoid crashes. This includes staying out of blind spots, avoiding sudden stops, and being patient at intersections. By being aware of the potential risks and doing everything possible to avoid them, drivers can help keep themselves and others safe on the road.
One example of the catastrophic consequences of not taking these precautions is the tanker crash and fire that closed southbound I-15 in Salt Lake City in 2019. This accident was caused by a Honda Civic swerving across all lanes of traffic and hitting the tanker. 7,000 gallons of gasoline and 1,000 gallons of diesel ignited and spilled onto the road causing tall flames to scorch the highway. The drivers survived in this case, but not everyone is so lucky. It is better not to take the risks.
Truck Safety at ShipEX
At ShipEX, we value safety. No load is worth a life, and all of our drivers take that seriously. We understand the importance of proper safety regulations and protocols in minimizing the risk of accidents on the road. While we cannot prevent all accidents, our commitment to safety ensures that we do everything possible to protect our drivers and other motorists.
If you are interested in driving with a company that values you, Join our team at ShipEX.
