When driving a car, you need to be appear of the different rules that apply to trucks that are traveling near you. To reduce the chance of a Dallas truck accident, be familiar with a truck’s capablities and how it moves.
You should never pull in front of a truck and suddenly stop or slow down. Trucks, due to more weight, require more time and distance to slow down. A car traveling at 50 mph can stop in 230 feet but a large truck requires 400 feet at the same speed.
Because trucks are longer, they require a longer parth to make a turn. This is why trucks and 18 wheelers swing out left before making a right turn. When behind a large truck, if it signals for a turn, slown down and look at its signals because a right turn signal may require the truck to turn left first.
One should also be aware of a truck’s blindspots. Car drivers wrongly assume a trucker can see the road better because it is higher on the road. Trucks have serious blind spots and a car can get lost in the blind spot. If you cannot see the truck driver, assume you are in a blindspot and he cannot see you..
Trucks cannot move the same as cars. They require longer stopping and starting distances and need more space to turn. Common car driver mistakes that lead to truck accident, injuries, and even death are:
- Cutting off a truck to reach an exit or make a turn (Do not speed up to pass a truck)
- Driving alongside a truck when passing in slow manner (Move ahead of truck after passing it)
- Tailgating (truck driver cannot see you and leaves no space in the even the truck must stop)
- Underestimating size and power of a truck (Do not think truck is traveling at slower speed)
Knowing these rules should help a driver avoid truck accidents.
