How To Avoid Accidents When Driving Around Semi-Trucks
By: Paul Cannon, Simmons & Fletcher, P.C.
If you live in the Kingwood area, you know that Interstate 59 (or the East Tex Freeway as the locals know it), is the artery for people going to and from Houston. But it is not just Kingwood residents using it. I-59 is a major route of 18-wheelers and other commercial motor vehicles hauling products of all sorts from Houston to Tennessee. If you travel it often, you will find yourself driving around these 80,000 lb giants. Your car versus an 18-wheeler is no match at all. So, take it from a local attorney who handles 18 wheeler accidents, it is good to be aware of a few safety tips so that you do not become an accident statistic.
Safety Tip #1
Be aware of the blind spots. For most trucks, visibility directly to the front of an 18-wheeler is poor. Did you know that many truck drivers need to lean or stand up to see what is directly in front of the cab? Additionally, the space directly to the left and right of the cab can be blind spots if you are too far up to be seen in their mirrors. Lastly, traveling directly behind an 18-wheeler makes you almost invisible to them unless they happen to have a camera or special mirror.
Safety Tip #2
Be aware of the effect of the size difference upon their ability to stop. On a flat, dry, paved road, it takes approximately 6 seconds and 512 feet to bring a loaded truck and trailer to a stop. If you swerve in front of an 18-wheeler and hit your brakes, that truck cannot stop. You will become the trucks brakes. Always make sure there is plenty of space between you and the truck before moving into the lane in front of a truck. Also, be sure that traffic ahead is flowing at a steady pace with no signs of stopping. This also means being careful about not switching into an exit lane ahead of an 18-wheeler when traffic is backing up.
Safety Tip #3
Be extra cautions around commercial semi-trucks when the weather is bad. Rain, sleet, snow, or ice all affect the stopping distance of a truck, making it take even longer. In addition to an increased stopping distance, trucks have a tendency to kick up a large volume of water when you are beside them. Know when one is approaching and may pass you in rainy weather. You should also think twice about being in a rush to go around a big rig in rainy or wet conditions.
Safety Tip #4
Be aware of the wind effect on 18-wheelers. High winds can cause the trailer of a semi-truck to whip suddenly like a sail on the wind. Furthermore, the trailer can act as a shield to block the wind from hitting you so that when you suddenly pass or get passed by the truck, the wind surprises you and pushes you off the road. Lastly, wind suction can sometime pull your vehicle closer toward the truck in a suction-like effect as the vehicle pass in opposite directions, so be sure to leave plenty of space as the truck passes from any direction.
Conclusion
There are many things a driver can do to decrease the risk of an accident with an 18-wheeler when driving in and around the Kingwood area. Learning where the bling spots are and avoiding them keeps you visible to the semi-truck driver. Being aware of stopping distance and leaving space helps you avoid being in a wreck. Lastly, knowing the effects of wind and wet weather and taking action to account for these things in your driving can reduce the odds that you get into an accident with a commercial truck.
www.simmonsandfletch er.com/truck-acciden t-lawyer/
Paul H. Cannon is an attorney at Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. located in Houston, Texas. He has been practicing personal injury law since 1995. He is Certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2005. 4951