Car accidents and truck accidents are both similar and very different. As you read through this list, you will notice that a truck accident happens in situations where a car may have been perfectly safe. Car drivers, however, can take risks that truck drivers are not capable of. Learn the difference, so you understand how to stay safe on the road. Additionally, you must understand how the other driver was at fault if they caused your accident.
Trucks Are Difficult To Maneuver
Large trucks are tough to maneuver because they are long, use air brakes, and weigh many tons. A truck driver will take a long time to stop if you cut them off, and a truck that is going downhill could lose braking because of overheating. Because large trucks are so complex, you must be careful around them. Truck accident attorneys recommend that large truck drivers be aware of how to drive safely so that they do not get into bad situations.
Cars Can Dart In And Out Of Traffic
Cars can swipe through traffic easily, and they can take risks that a truck driver cannot. Moreover, car drivers are more likely to drive home after a party after having one too many drinks. Car drivers may feel they can fit their vehicle into a tiny space, and they might assume that large trucks can stop just as fast as they can.
Car drivers tend to take more risks because they are not driving for their employers. Car drivers also have many years of experience that lead them to believe they can do almost anything on the road without causing an accident. This is especially true if the driver is in a sports car or sports sedan. The driver bought this car so that they could race down the highway, and that attitude can get them into trouble.
How Can Car Drivers Prevent Accidents?
Car drivers can prevent accidents by:
- Slowing down
- Getting a ride if they have been drinking
- Changing lanes only when it is safe
- Never trying to race other cars
- Allowing an adequate stopping distance with the car in front of them
Because many drivers do not take these necessary precautions, they are more likely to be involved in accidents that they caused. This is quite different from a truck driver who is often at the mercy of their vehicle and other cars on the road.
In the event that you or your relative has endured injury or death in a car accident, you may require a skilled attorney and help you with the financial compensation.
How Can Truck Drivers Prevent Accidents?
Experienced attorneys recommend that truck drivers prevent accidents by:
- Slowing down
- Remaining in the right lane
- Stopping if the conditions are too rainy or windy
- Never making sharp turns
- Following all the safety precautions that are required
Truck drivers are trained to follow these safety precautions, but it can be difficult for them to avoid other drivers on the road. This is important to remember because car drivers often put truck drivers in unsafe situations on the road.
Which Safety Precautions Should Truck Drivers Take?
Truck drivers are asked to inspect their brakes every day, ensure their vehicle is ready to drive, and remain at the speed limit at all times. Truck drivers are also taught to keep off their brakes unless they absolutely need them. The brakes on a large truck can overheat very quickly, and that can cause a crash.
Truck drivers are not supposed to drive their cars if they do not believe the brakes are working properly. This is why most trucking companies provide roadside assistance. A car driver might feel like they can maintain control of the car or not notice that there is something wrong with the car. A large truck responds to any change in driving conditions, and the driver will know almost immediately that something is wrong.
How Can Car Drivers Protect Truck Drivers?
Car drivers can protect truck drivers by avoiding a few situations that cause problems with large trucks. Large truck drivers cannot prevent car drivers from doing stupid things on the road. Car drivers must learn to stay away from large trucks and use these tips to prevent crashes.
- Never cut off a large truck because the truck’s stopping distance is much longer than that of a car. The stopping distance gets even longer if the truck is loaded down.
- Do not drive too slow in front of a large truck on a hill.
- Allow large trucks to change lanes when they need to.
- Never tailgate a large truck.
You should never cut off a large truck because they cannot make an emergency stop like you can in a car. Large truck drivers cannot see you if you are directly behind them, and large trucks should be allowed to change lanes. If you force a truck driver to wait to change lanes, they cannot keep their eyes on the road. You are putting everyone in danger because of your lack of courtesy.
The most important tip on this list is avoiding large trucks on hills. Large trucks will need to ride their brakes on hills if you cut them off or drive too slow. The brakes on the truck will overheat, and you will be involved in the crash because the driver cannot stop. They may have gotten your tag number before the accident, and you could be held accountable for the accident.
If you or your relative has suffered injury or death in a trucking accident, you may need a knowledgeable lawyer and help you with the financial compensation.
Conclusion
Car accidents and truck accidents are very different. You must be careful when you are driving a car because you can do things that a large truck cannot. Large truck drivers are often at the mercy of what other drivers are doing on the road. Large truck drivers should never drive if they think their brakes do not work, they are tired, or the truck is not responding well. Large truck drivers should get immediate assistance before going back on the road, and car drivers should keep their distance, make the right decisions, and never drive while intoxicated.