Road accidents involving large vehicles, such as trucks, can cause severe consequences and serious personal injuries.
Drivers must take different types of safety measures to reduce risks on the road, and they must follow certain recommendations to avoid collisions.
If you have suffered any type of accident of this type, it is advisable to consult with a truck accident lawyer in Laredo, as in any other state, to help you in the judicial process to obtain financial compensation for all the damages suffered during the incident.
As a study on the causes of accidents involving large trucks conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found, accidents involving trucks have a high fatality rate: approximately 74% of fatalities are occupants of smaller vehicles.
Here we give you 5 recommendations to follow to avoid being involved in a truck accident.
1. Distance Between Vehicles
Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you can be of vital importance when the vehicle suddenly stops.
According to the aforementioned study, a high percentage of incidents occur due to failure to respect the braking distance, which could lead to a violent collision.
It is worth noting that in 87% of cases, accidents occur due to different driver errors, either due to lack of attention or due to substance use.
2. Avoid Blind Spots
Because of their large size, trucks have larger so-called “blind spots” than other vehicles. Therefore, it is essential to avoid maneuvers when you are unsure of the distance from other drivers.
3. Good Maintenance
Mechanical failures account for 10% of truck accidents, so keeping the vehicle in perfect condition is one of the most effective measures to improve road safety.
4. Respect Speed Limits
As we all know, speeding causes many accidents in the United States. But when we talk about trucks, this issue takes on even greater importance.
Speeding is a national problem. In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that in 2022, more than 12,151 people lost their lives due to this problem.
There are also various awareness campaigns, as well as recommendations for safe driving. For example, adjusting driving in adverse weather conditions to avoid skidding and loss of control.
5. Safe Overtaking
Trucks often travel long distances on the roads throughout the country, and one of the reasons why very violent accidents can occur is the overtaking of other vehicles.
To ensure safety during this maneuver, there are a number of steps to follow, such as using turn signals, making sure there is enough space, and obeying the safe transfer zones that are delineated on all roads in the country.
