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How to safely share the road with tractor-trailers

On Behalf of | Jul 18, 2022 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Due to their massive size, tractor-trailers are far more dangerous than other vehicles on the road. Since they are so big and heavy, tractor-trailers are harder to stop and are less maneuverable than passenger vehicles. These limitations are often factors in truck accidents. There are still several things Louisiana drivers can do to safely share the road with tractor-trailers. 

Know the blind spots 

Tractor-trailers have large blind spots on both sides of the vehicle, as well as in front of and behind the truck. They make wide turns and truck drivers won’t be able to see any vehicles in their blind spots, so stay out of these zones. When passing a tractor-trailer, do so quickly and don’t linger in the blind spots. 

Do not follow too close 

Always give tractor-trailers space and never follow too closely. If a car is following too closely and the tractor-trailer blows a tire, the occupants of the car could suffer serious injuries. Also, following too closely means there will be less time to stop in an emergency, and a car could slide under the truck. 

Proper passing 

If it is necessary to pass a tractor-trailer on a highway or interstate, do so as quickly as possible and only pass on the left. After passing the truck, do not immediately cut in front of it. Use the appropriate signal and merge back over only when it is safe to do so. 

The odds for serious injuries increase drastically when tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles collide. Those in Louisiana who are injured or the surviving families of those killed due to negligence in truck accidents could benefit from discussions with a knowledgeable attorney. A successfully litigated claim could result in rightful damages to ease the pain and suffering of victims and/or families.