Here are some key tips to keep in mind as you hit the road this summer:
- Buses and trucks do not operate and brake the same way you do in a passenger car.
- Keep 20-25 car lengths as a safe distance from truck traffic. When traveling uphill, be extra cautious if a truck driver slips into reverse while downshifting gears, you need to be far enough behind to avoid a front-end collision with the back end of a large truck.
- Never turn in parallel with trucks. Trucks have a wider turning radius than smaller vehicles. You can easily get clipped or pinched if you attempt to turn alongside a truck.
- Remember that a truck driver has limited visibility. Buses are somewhat better, but as with trucks, their large size means slower reaction time. Small cars are particularly vulnerable, but the truck’s blind spots mean the driver cannot compensate for lack of visibility. Both the rear of the truck and the join area between the cab and the trailer are blind spots for the truck driver.
“A good rule of thumb is: if you can’t see the driver in the truck’s side mirrors, the driver can’t see you.”
The biggest dangers from bus and truck drivers are driver fatigue, carelessness and distraction. In other words, there is no guarantee that there is someone competent behind the wheel of a massive speeding vehicle on the road with you. When you see heavy vehicles on the road, use our tips to switch into your best defensive driving mode.
If you have been involved in a bus or truck collision, remember that only a competent and caring professional will do his or her best to get you fair compensation, while minimizing your trauma. Stillman and Friedland are experienced in handling truck collision cases. Our expertise takes the worry out of the restitution process, because we understand and do all the careful detailed work of putting together your case. A compassionate approach is integral to our practice—our clients are our number one priority.
From the attorneys at Stillman and Friedland.
Because we care…
