As a motorist who frequents the roads in Denver, one of the biggest threats to your safety are truck drivers. With the number of truck accidents growing daily, you may be wondering how you can protect yourself from becoming a victim. It is not possible for you to predict when you will end up driving alongside a trucker. But, you can pay attention to their actions, so you know when your safety is at stake.
Avoid blind spots
According to the U.S. States Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, semi-trucks and big rigs have blind spots on all four sides. You should avoid these spots because truck drivers cannot see you. Even when their mirrors are adjusted properly, they are not enough to overcome the reduced visibility in certain areas of their vehicles.
Allow more travel space
You may have a tendency to drive closely to trucks. Doing so puts you at risk of colliding with them if they make fast and sudden stops. Large trucks require more distance to stop than passenger vehicles. Even when their cargo areas are empty, the size, shape and weight of their vehicles make it impossible for them to stop at short lengths.
Watch for distractions
Distractions are a common problem for motorists and truck drivers. Many truckers use distractions to keep themselves awake while they are driving. No matter the nature of distraction, you should know how to identify when a trucker is not paying attention to the roads or their vehicle. If they are eating, using their CBs or navigational devices and texting or talking on their phones, they may not be capable of maneuvering their vehicles safely or predictably.
Truck accidents are very common, but they are also easy to prevent. They may not be as easy to avoid. But the steps that you take to protect yourself can reduce the chances of you being in a truck accidents.
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