Ways to Share the Road Safely
There is a certain risk involved any time someone gets behind the wheel of a car. The road is meant to be shared, but trucks have an unfair advantage. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, a car accident involving a car and a truck will result in the driver of the smaller vehicle being killed up to 78% of the time.
Consider a few of these tips for sharing the road safely. These tips may seem obvious but with higher rates of auto collisions between cars and trucks, these tips are worth repeating.
Never Cut in Front of a Truck
Drivers of smaller vehicles seem to do this often, but may not realize that doing so can create a braking problem for the truck. According to the safety guide, it takes a truck more time and space to stop when braking. The best way to pass in front of a truck is to do so after you can see the truck’s front end in your rear-view mirror.
Blind Spots and No Zones
Trucks have blind spots and no zones around the back, sides, and front, which makes it difficult to see a driver in a smaller vehicle. That means that a driver of a truck could change lanes and run into a car without knowing that the car is in the lane. A good rule of thumb is to stay in the driver’s sight at all times. If you can see the truck driver in his side mirrors, he can see you too.
Unfortunately, not every Texas resident on the road is following these tips or playing fair and that means accidents can and will happen. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or truck accident, you will need to contact a New Braunfels accident attorney who can handle your case the right way.
