Driving Safe Around Semis
Knowing how to drive around semi trucks is something that not enough people are taught how to do. This is unfortunate, because a truck accident is one of the most dangerous types of automobile accidents you can get into.
The first key to driving around semis is understanding the situation faced by truck drivers. Truck drivers are regular people, so this means there are some drivers that are great, and some that are not very good at all. They are also driving a vehicle that is much, much larger than the average car. Just like you have blind spots in your sedan or SUV, so do the truck drivers - except these blind spots are much larger.
Another thing to consider when driving around trucks is the weight that they are typically carrying. These trucks can carry up to 80,000 pounds. This means that they will accelerate slowly, will need an extra long distance to stop, and are more prone to tire blowouts than the average car.
Once you understand these facts, you can adapt your driving habits to accommodate for them. When driving around a semi, give the truck plenty of room. Don't tailgate and don't whip in front of the truck. Again, it takes a long time for them to stop. Swinging in front of a truck and slamming on your brakes is a good way to get run over.
Pass with a consideration of their blind spots. This means getting around the truck quickly, while hugging the outside of the lane. You want to be past the truck as quickly as possible. Avoid passing on the right side of the truck if you can, as the blind spot on the right is much larger than the blind spot on the left. Also, passing quickly gets you away from the truck tires, which can blow out because of all of the weight they are carrying. If you are next to the tire when it blows, it can send heavy rubber flying at your car. This can cause car damage, and can break your windshield.
Of course, the truck driver also needs to drive with consideration of the other vehicles on the road. Unfortunately, this is not always how they choose to drive. If you are in an accident with a semi truck, talking to a trucking accidents lawyer is your best bet for getting compensation for your injuries.
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