When a truck driver is safe, he or she protects many people on the roads from danger. When he or she isn’t, the negligent acts performed during driving can result in crashes. What should drivers be doing to keep people safe? There are actually a number of suggestions drivers can follow.
For example, if you’ve ever been at an intersection and had a close-call with a truck, you know that drivers have to make turns that are difficult. Drivers can help avoid a collision by giving you time to back up if you’re in the truck’s path and by slowing down. Making eye contact can also guarantee that motorists are aware that the truck is switching lanes or moving in another way.
Truck drivers shouldn’t be slamming on their brakes. It’s ineffective, for one thing, but it’s also dangerous. When drivers don’t have adequate warning about a truck driver stopping, they could end up in a collision.
In poor weather, truck drivers need to know their limits. If it’s slick and dangerous on the roads, they should pull over or slow down significantly. On hot days, they need to be sure that their trucks are fueled up and have the correct fluids, so they don’t end up breaking down in the roadway.
These are just a few things truck drivers can do to help prevent accidents. Other drivers can also help by staying out of a truck driver’s blind spots and by giving him or her space to maneuver when necessary.
It’s everyone’s responsibility to stay safe on the roads. If a driver doesn’t pay attention and causes an accident, victims do have a right to file a claim.
Source: Truckers Report, “Trucking Safety,” accessed Aug. 23, 2017