How to stay safe around commercial trucks
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How to stay safe around commercial trucks

On Behalf of | Jan 25, 2021 | Truck Accident

While sharing a Missouri highway with a large truck may seem intimidating, there are many things that you can do to stay safe and avoid a motor vehicle accident (MVA). For example, it is in your best interest to stay out of their blind spots whenever possible, and it is also a good idea to telegraph a turn, lane change or another maneuver before it occurs.

Tips for passing a commercial vehicle

If you are seeking to pass a commercial vehicle, it is important to do so as quickly as possible to avoid an MVA. This can minimize the chances that the truck changes lanes, slows down or takes other actions while your vehicle is in its blind spot. It’s important to keep in mind that a commercial truck’s blind areas are much larger than those on a passenger vehicle. Therefore, you will have more space to cover before you reach a safe spot on the highway.

Maintain an adequate following distance

The last thing that you want is for your vehicle to collide with the rear of a large truck. In most cases, your car will be totaled while the much larger commercial vehicle may suffer little more than a few scratches or dents. You can minimize your risk of a motor vehicle accident by maintaining a following distance of at least 240 feet. It may be necessary to increase that distance if you’re traveling on roads covered by ice or snow.

Never drive while impaired

It can be harder to make smart decisions while impaired by drugs, alcohol or other substances. Therefore, you should never operate a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol, taking prescription medication or using a controlled substance.

If a collision with a larger vehicle leaves you injured, you may have access to compensation for medical bills, lost wages or other damages. By using evidence such as driver statements, a police report or cellphone records, an attorney may be able to prove that a negligent driver caused the crash.

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