Driver Safety Tips

AAA reports that more than 5,000 people are killed every year in car/truck accidents. Collisions that involve commercial vehicles and cars usually results in serious injuries and massive property damage. These types of accidents can be caused by the negligent actions of the truck driver or by the driver of the passenger vehicle.

If you or a family member has suffered an injury from a truck accident, you may be eligible to seek legal action against the negligent party. Contact a Florida truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

To learn more about filing an auto accident claim, fill out the Free Case Evaluation form or call 1 (855) 722-2552.

Safety Tips for Drivers

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 80,000 people were injured in truck accidents in 2010. While some truck accidents are unavoidable, drivers of passenger vehicles should take safety precautions when sharing the road with commercial vehicles.

Motorists should follow the driver safety tips below to decrease their chances of being in a collision.

Stay Out of the “No Zone”

Typically, commercial vehicles have four blind spots that are also called “no zones”; truck drivers cannot see passenger vehicles when they are in these areas. One-third of accidents that involve large trucks and passenger vehicles occur in the no zone. As a rule of thumb, if you can’t see the trucks mirrors, then the trucker can’t see you.

Allow Enough Time to Change Lanes

It usually takes about 30 seconds to pass a commercial truck that is traveling at highway speeds. When you are trying to pass a large truck, accelerate slightly, then maintain a consistent speed until you are able to change lanes safely. Change lanes only when you can see the vehicle’s grill in your rearview mirror. Allowing yourself enough time to change lanes will decrease your chances of causing a side impact collision.

Never Tailgate

Florida drivers should maintain a safe distance when driving behind a commercial truck. Motorists should follow large trucks at a distance of four seconds; driving at this distance will keep you from being in the no zone. Drivers that travel too close to the vehicle’s bumper are at risk of rear-ending the truck.

Stay Alert in Adverse Weather Conditions

A trucker’s visibility is reduced in adverse weather conditions such as snow, rain, fog and sleet. Additionally, bad weather affects a driver’s ability to react to road hazards. Oftentimes, commercial trucks have a difficult time stopping quickly on slick streets, so make sure to put extra distance between your vehicle and the truck in rainy weather.

Keep Both Hands on the Wheel

Commercial vehicles have the tendency to create large wind gusts. Always keep both hands on the steering wheel when passing a large truck on the freeway and vice versa.

Truck accident attorneys

Unfortunately, driver safety tips cannot prevent all truck accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident due to the negligent actions of another, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Accident victims may be able to recover damages for property damage, medical expenses and lost wages. Contact a reputable truck accident attorney today.

At Gordon & Partners, our attorneys and staff are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injury victims. Over the years, we have skillfully litigated numerous truck accidents.

Our law firm provides legal services to injured individuals throughout South Florida. Accident victims can seek assistance at our office locations in Pembroke Pines, Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart.

To schedule a free and confidential case evaluation, fill out the contact form on this page.