Sharing interstates and highways with large commercial trucks like tractor-trailers is just part of driving in the state of Louisiana. Roadways across the state are seeing higher volumes of commercial traffic these days. Without a doubt, driving at high speeds near massive tractor-trailers can be dangerous and rather intimidating for those in passenger vehicles. The following strategies may help drivers safely share the road with tractor-trailers and avoid truck accidents.
Avoid blind spots
Tractor-trailers and other large trucks have big blind spots on all four sides of the vehicle. Be careful not to linger in these blind spots. When passing a tractor-trailer, do so quickly and safely. Drivers should keep in mind that if they cannot see the truck driver, the truck driver cannot see them.
Don’t cut them off
Cutting off any vehicle is dangerous, but it’s especially dangerous to cut off a tractor-trailer. If a car moves in quickly from either side of the truck, the car will likely be in the truck’s blind spot so the truck driver may not see the car in time. Since tractor-trailers are so massive, it takes them longer to stop. If a vehicle cuts in front of the truck, the truck may not be able to stop quickly enough to avoid an accident.
Drivers of smaller passenger vehicles should always remember to stay focused and use extreme caution when sharing the road with large trucks and tractor-trailers. Since tractor-trailers are gigantic, truck accidents involving passenger vehicles are more likely to be serious or fatal. Those in Louisiana who have suffered injuries or the loss of loved ones as the result of negligence in truck accidents can take legal action by contacting a skilled attorney and filing a claim.