2 min read
Avoiding a Commercial Vehicle Accident: Important Safety Tips
Commercial vehicles are everywhere these days, from delivery trucks to 18-wheelers sharing our roads. Motor vehicle accidents, especially those involving commercial trucks, are unfortunately common.
How to Avoid a Commercial Truck Accident
Whether you're driving to work, running errands, or taking a road trip, it is important to do your part in preventing commercial truck accidents. Here are some tips:
- Share the road: Be extra mindful of how you’re sharing the road with these large vehicles. Commercial vehicles tend to have much bigger blind spots than normal cars, so use extra caution when changing lanes or merging. Remember: if you can't see the truck's mirrors, the driver can't see you.
- Stay alert: Make sure to be well-rested before going out on the road. Always pay attention to your surroundings, and don’t text or use any electronic device while driving to avoid distraction. This goes double when you're near commercial vehicles, they need more time to react.
- Keep a safe distance: Commercial vehicles often make quick, sudden stops. A loaded truck needs much more room to stop than your car, about twice the distance. Keep a safe distance between you and commercial vehicles, and be ready to apply your brakes to avoid a crash. A good rule is to stay at least four seconds behind them.
- Use extra caution when attempting to pass: Passing a commercial vehicle is more dangerous than passing a normal car because of their size and diminished ability to brake. Don’t try to pass while going up or down a hill, and always pass on the left side of the road. Don’t merge back into your lane until you can see the commercial vehicle in your rearview mirror to give the commercial vehicle time to adjust. When passing a stopped delivery truck, watch for the driver getting in or out and check for pedestrians.
What's New in Truck Safety
Some recent changes are making our roads safer:
- Truck drivers now use electronic logs to track their driving hours, which helps prevent tired driving
- Many newer trucks have automatic braking and lane warnings
- Stricter rules mean better-trained drivers on the road
- More companies are using cameras and tracking to help drivers stay safe
Who's Responsible When Accidents Happen?
If a commercial vehicle accident does occur, it can be tough to figure out who's liable. It could be the driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer (if something broke), whoever loaded the cargo (if it wasn't secured properly), or any combination of these people.
That's why it's important to know your rights and responsibilities before something happens.
For Business Owners
If your business uses commercial vehicles, here's what you should focus on to prevent accidents and protect your company:
- Keep your vehicles well-maintained
- Make sure your drivers get regular safety training
- Have clear policies about rest breaks and driving hours
- Consider investing in safety technology
- Review your insurance coverage
Need Help with Commercial Vehicle Safety or Liability Concerns?
Whether you're a business owner with delivery trucks or just someone who wants to stay safe on the road, we can help. Aaron Ferguson Law offers free consultations to discuss:
- How to prevent commercial vehicle accidents
- Understanding your liability if you operate commercial vehicles
- What to do if you've been in an accident
If you have been injured in an accident or want to learn more about preventing commercial truck accidents and protecting yourself, please call 651-493-0426 for a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.
