Truck drivers can have a difficult time on the road, encountering pedestrians and motorists who may be largely unaware of the challenges truck drivers face. When pedestrians and motorists behave carelessly, and do not appreciate the dangers trucks can present, it can result in near misses. Failing to safely share the road with trucks can result in significant harm.
The American Trucking Associations reports that 75 percent of accidents involving trucks are caused by the other driver involved in the accident. It is important for all drivers to be familiar with the differences between handling a truck versus a motor vehicle. Truck drivers who have millions of miles on the road accident free can provide safety tips for drivers to be aware of.
Five tips for safely sharing the roadways with truckers include not cutting trucks off and being aware of the increased stopping distance required by trucks; not driving in the four blind spots of a truck; allowing trucks the extra space they may require in certain circumstances; remaining alert for signals a truck driver may send and not tailgating trucks. Other drivers need to drive responsibly around trucks, although of course all drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles with care and in a manner that provides for the safety of others sharing the roadways.
When a driver has engaged in careless or negligent behavior, and has injured others as a result, car accident victims may suffer a variety of unexpected physical, financial and emotional damages for which they may be able to recover compensation. It is important for any victim of a careless or negligent driver, including truck drivers, to be familiar with the legal options, remedies and resources available to them when they have been harmed.
Source: AZCentral.com, “Watch out! Truck drivers make plea for road safety,” Sarah Anderson, Jan. 26, 2016
