Stay Safe on the Road When Driving Semi-Trucks

The semi-truck accident lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC understand the threats semi-trucks pose to other road users because we’ve seen the devastating consequences of truck accidents time and again. We’ve recovered millions of dollars in compensation for people injured in truck accidents and the families of those who suffered fatal injuries.

When fully loaded, tractor-trailers are five times longer and 25 to 30 times heavier than the average family sedan. As a result of the disproportionate size of semis compared to smaller passenger vehicles, the sale is often considerable when a big rig is involved in a collision. According to recent data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, crashes involving large trucks kill roughly 5,000 people and injure another 100,000 people each year.

Commercial truck drivers have a legal responsibility to obey traffic laws and operate semi-trucks responsibly to avoid endangering others on the road.  When truckers fail to drive safely, they may be held financially responsible for the harm they cause.

Six important safety tips semi-truck drivers should follow

Verify Blind Spots

Tractor trailers have large blind spots in which smaller vehicles can disappear. Truck drivers should make a habit of checking the truck’s side mirrors to keep tabs on vehicles that may be entering the truck’s blind spots. Before changing lanes, truckers need to be sure first that a lane is unoccupied.

Trucks Need More Room to Stop Safely

It takes time to bring a semi-truck to a complete stop, and this is particularly true when the road is slick. Truck drivers who tailgate other vehicles are more likely to cause collisions. Truck drivers should allow at least three seconds between the truck and the vehicle in front. Truck drivers should increase the following distance to five to 10 seconds when the roads are slick to be sure the truck has sufficient room to stop.

Take Wide Turns with Caution

Large trucks require extra space to make wide turns. Truck drivers should take turns slowly to reduce the risk of rolling over, jackknifing, or colliding with another vehicle or stationary object.

Always Wear Seatbelts

Wearing a seatbelt improves your odds of surviving a collision and can help protect you from serious injury. It’s also the law. Wearing a seatbelt also makes it easier to maintain control of your vehicle in bad weather and in the event of a collision.

Travel at a Safe Speed

Observing the posted speed limit and driving at a speed safe for the conditions help drivers keep control of a semi-truck in all types of weather. Maintaining a consistent speed makes it easier for other drivers to anticipate your truck’s movements and respond to them.

Concentrate on the Road and Stay Away from Distraction

Distracted driving poses a serious safety hazard. Truck drivers should try to avoid driving distractions and remain focused on the surrounding traffic and the road ahead. It’s best to avoid food and drink, conversation, and other distractions that divert attention from the road.

Get Legal Help from an Experienced Indianapolis Truck Accident Attorney Near You

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, the experienced Indianapolis truck accident lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC are ready to fight for you. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience and are committed to pursuing justice for people seriously injured in truck accidents caused by the negligence of others.  Our success on behalf of the accident victims we’ve represented has earned us memberships in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. We offer a free case review to help you understand your legal options to rebuild your life after a serious truck accident..

Contact us today for a consultation. We look forward to learning about your case.