Although Americans depend on large trucks to deliver freight throughout the nation, these massive vehicles are a looming danger to motorists on the road. Tractor trailers kill a significant number of people in Maryland and across the nation each year. In 2014 alone, 3,744 people lost their lives in large truck accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Many of these accidents were avoidable. You may be able to avoid becoming a victim of a catastrophic truck collision by understanding how these large vehicles operate on the roads.
Try not to linger in a large truck’s blind spot, which occurs on all sides of the truck. The largest blind spots are on the right-hand side and in back of the truck. You should pass the truck quickly and on the left-hand side. Keep in mind that if you are traveling behind a big rig and you cannot see the truck’s side view mirror, the trucker cannot see you.
Always avoid pulling out in front of a truck and then slowing down. Large trucks need a longer distance to come to a complete stop. When truckers are unexpected cut off by another vehicle, they may be forced to hit the brakes and they may not always stop in time.
Big rigs must make wide turns, and vehicles should give trucks plenty of room to complete these turns. Always remain cautious and drive defensively when sharing the road with large trucks.
This information is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.