Commercial drivers spend long hours behind the wheel. Despite laws that limit the amount of time truckers can drive, fatigue still contributes to a significant number of accidents.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, smaller vehicles tend to suffer the worst of the impact in truck wrecks. Occupants of passenger cars made up 68 percent of truck accident fatalities in 2014.
If you are a truck driver, there are several steps that you can take to reduce the likelihood of crashing. These include:
- Adjusting your behavior according to road conditions;
- Surveying your blind spots every 15 seconds;
- Wearing your seatbelt;
- Keeping your vision ahead;
- And obeying speed limits.
If you were injured in a truck crash that another driver caused, contact Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP. An injury lawyer in New York City can gather evidence, structure your claim and handle settlement negotiations. We have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients.
Call 917-730-7151 to schedule a consultation. Until then, read on to learn five tips to help truckers avoid collisions:
- Be Aware of Road Conditions
Truckers must adjust their driving according to the conditions on the road. In particular, they should be vigilant in adverse weather or heavy traffic.
Because of trucks’ size and weight, they carry more momentum and require a longer stopping distance. If the road conditions deteriorate, truckers should extend their following distance and reduce their speed.
- Survey Blind Spots Every 15 Seconds
It is important for truckers to check their blind spots frequently. A significant number of accidents occur because vehicles travel in trucks’ blind spots. Truckers should check their blind spots every 15 seconds, and whenever they merge, change lanes or turn.
- Wear Your Seatbelt
Truckers must wear seatbelts at all times. In addition to preventing injuries, seatbelts keep truck drivers in the ideal position to react to hazards. Also, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the law requires truckers to wear seatbelts.
- Keep Your Vision Ahead
Even in ideal weather, truck drivers require a significant distance to stop. This is especially true on interstates.
In addition to maintaining a safe following distance, truckers should keep their vision 15 seconds ahead so they notice hazards in time to break. If you are driving in New York City, survey the road 1.5 blocks in front of you.
- Avoid Speeding
Speeding contributes to a significant number of accidents in all types of vehicles. However, breaking the speed limit is particularly dangerous in trucks because they carry so much momentum. The faster you travel, the more stopping distance you require. Also, driving too fast on ramps and curves increases the likelihood of a rollover due to the truck’s high center of gravity.
If you were injured in a truck crash, contact Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP. A New York truck accident attorney can evaluate your case to determine if you may have grounds for a claim. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, health-care bills and other damages. Call 917-730-7151 to schedule a consultation.