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Safety Tips for Sharing the Road with Large Trucks

Large Trucks

Large trucks or commercial vehicles are the mammoths of the road and should be carefully navigated in your travels. Semi-trucks, buses, garbage trucks, and many other large commercial vehicles in Florida can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and can be dangerous to tangle with in an accident. It is more likely that a passenger vehicle and its driver and occupants will be harmed than large trucks when it comes to a crash. Here are some safety tips for sharing the road with these large trucks to help you stay safe.

Avoid Driving in Blind Spots

Large trucks have much larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. There are areas all around these vehicles where the driver cannot see other cars or trucks. If they cannot see your vehicle, this is a dangerous place to be. Typical blind spots on a semi-truck trailer are directly in front of the cab, directly behind them, the right lane next to the trailer and the two left lanes next to the trailer. Give these large trucks a wide berth to stay out of those blind spots.

Passing Large Trucks

You may want to get around large trucks but passing them is when many accidents occur. Keep in mind the blind spot areas and make sure to turn on your indicator 3-4 seconds before you attempt to pass. Look to make sure you can see the driver in his side mirror; if you can see him, he can see you. Use a consistent speed and get well beyond the front of the truck (you should be able to see the cab in your rearview mirror) before you move in front of them. Large trucks cannot brake quickly, so you want to allow for plenty of room between the front of their vehicle and the back of yours.

Watch for Wide Turns

Large trucks tend to take wide turns, especially those with trailers. They may swing into the nearest lane when making a sharp turn at a light. If you notice a large truck with their turn signal on, do not attempt to pass them and stay behind them until they complete their turn to avoid the trailer swinging into your vehicle.

Who to Call for a Large Truck Accident

Even when you are careful around large trucks, accidents can still occur. If you are injured in a serious accident involving a large truck, contact our team at Tison Law Group. Large truck accident claims can be difficult to navigate, but we can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Call our office in Tampa Bay to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.

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