5 Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Getting Involved in a Truck Accident

St. Louis is a place where most of the nation’s freight and cargo move. This is one of the major reasons for truck accidents in St. Louis. Even a cautious driver can face a terrible accident in the blink of an eye.

Accidents involving trucks are the most devastating and deadly types of collisions on the road. If you’ve been involved in a truck crash, then you should consult an experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyer.

While some truck collisions are unavoidable, there are some strategies that drivers can use to minimize the risk of getting involved in one. Here are five of them: 

• Avoid Distractions
• Pass Quickly, But Safely
• Be a Predictable Driver 
• Keep Your Driving Predictable
• Do Not Overestimate the Stopping Ability of Trucks

Avoid Distractions

Distracted driving is a major reason for truck accidents. Trucks are heavy, large, and require more time and space to maneuver.

 Distractions will take your eyes off the road and lead to a fatal error. You should keep your phone out of reach, plan your route ahead of time, and limit your conversations with passengers to avoid distraction.

 Pass Quickly, But Safely

Passing a truck can be tricky, as trucks have large blind spots on both sides, as well as in the front and back. If you hang around for too long in these areas, the truck driver may not see you and bump into you.

 To pass a truck safely, make sure you have enough visibility and space, signal your intentions, and accelerate quickly.

 Do not cut in front of the truck too soon, as this will decrease the truck’s braking distance and increase the risk of a rear-end accident.

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Stay Away from the No-Zone

 The no-zone is the area around a truck where the driver has limited or no visibility. It includes the blind spots mentioned above, as well as the space directly behind and in front of the truck.

 If you remain in this area, you are putting yourself and the truck driver at risk, as you will not be able to respond to any sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.

Keep a safe distance from the truck, at least four seconds behind and 20 feet in front. Moreover, avoid driving alongside the truck for too long, as this decreases the visibility of other vehicles.

 Be a Predictable Driver

 Trucks are not as agile as smaller vehicles, and they need more space and time to adjust to changing situations. If you drive erratically, you are making it difficult for the truck driver to anticipate your movements and avoid an accident.

 To keep your driving predictable, follow the traffic rules, use your signals, and maintain a steady speed. Moreover, keep an eye on the truck’s brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights, and be prepared for any emergencies.

Do Not Overestimate the Stopping Ability of Trucks

 Trucks are much heavier than cars, and they need more distance and time to stop. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a fully-loaded truck traveling at 65 mph needs about 600 feet to come to a complete stop. That is much longer than the average car, which needs about 316 feet.

 If you overestimate the stopping ability of trucks, you will end up in a dangerous situation. To avoid this, do not tailgate the truck, do not cut in front of it, and do not force it to brake suddenly.

Final Thoughts

We believe our article has helped you learn the five strategies to decrease the risk of getting involved in a truck collision. By following all these strategies, you can make the road safer for yourself and others.

However, if you do get into a truck collision, it is necessary to get medical care and legal advice as soon as possible.