The numbers don’t lie: 18-wheeler accident fatalities are on the rise in the United States. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 3,660 people died in large truck wrecks in 2014. This was the highest death toll since 2008.
The vast majority (68%) of these casualties were occupants in passenger vehicles. Fortunately, you can reduce your risk of becoming a statistic by following these three safety tips when driving near tractor-trailers:
- Avoid their blind spots
- Give tractor-trailers plenty of space when turning
- Never let a semi-truck tailgate your vehicle
Sadly, even the most diligent drivers can fall victim to negligent truckers. If you were injured in a truck crash in Mississippi, contact a Biloxi truck accident attorney from Morris Bart, LTD.
Our legal team will assess the police report, interview witnesses and determine if you have grounds for a claim. We will help you fight for the highest possible compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Call 800-537-8185 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Let’s take a closer look at three tips to help drivers avoid collisions with 18-wheelers:
Avoid Their Blind Spots
Modern semi-trucks are equipped with lane-departure warnings and specialized mirrors to prevent side-swipe accidents. However, due to fatigue and distractions, truck drivers sometimes overlook vehicles in their blind spots.
18-wheelers have four blind spots: one in front, one in back and one adjacent to each side mirror. You can reduce your risk of crashing by avoiding those areas.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Give Tractor-Trailers Plenty of Space When Turning
A small sedan can negotiate a sharp turn with ease, but the same cannot be said for tractor-trailers. Commercial truckers often need to enter adjacent lanes to complete turns.
As such, you should be cautious when you approach an intersection where an 18-wheeler appears to be turning. Reduce your speed and expect the truck to enter the adjacent lane.
Never Let a Semi-Truck Tailgate Your Vehicle
Large trucks require a longer stopping distance than small cars, so you should never let an 18-wheeler tailgate your vehicle. According to the Large Truck Crash Causation Study, 5 percent of truck collisions happen when CMV drivers follow other vehicles too closely. If you notice that a trucker is tailgating you, then change lanes and let it pass.
Unfortunately, no matter how responsible you are behind the wheel, you cannot control the actions of other drivers. If you were injured by a negligent trucker in Mississippi, turn to Morris Bart, LTD.
Our legal team has a reputation for tough litigation. We will help you avoid mistakes during the claims process such as accepting a low settlement, making recorded statements to insurance adjusters, unknowingly admitting fault, or signing a general release.
Call 800-537-8185 today to arrange a free consultation with a truck crash lawyer in Biloxi.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
