Driving on Texas highways means that you will, inevitably, be sharing the road with a variety of vehicles. Among these, trucks are arguably one of the most significant hazards to passenger vehicles. Getting into a truck accident can be far more consequential — and devastating — than an accident with another passenger vehicle.
To avoid tragedy as well as you can, experts recommend following these five key safe driving tips for sharing the road with truck drivers in Texas:
1. Avoid Blind Spots
Those signs you spot on 18-wheelers warning tailgating drivers about the trucker’s inability to see the passenger vehicle in its blind spot are serious.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that if you can’t see a trucker’s face in the rearview mirror, the trucker can’t see you. And that sets the stage for a devastating highway accident.
As such, you’ll want to avoid lingering in a truck’s blind spots and change lanes to get out of the blind spots whenever it’s safely possible to do so.
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2. Leave a “Cushion” Between You and the Truck
According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), large trucks and buses need the length of approximately two football fields (or approximately 720 feet) to stop safely. If you drive too close to one of these vehicles, you may not have enough time or space to stop your car safely if the other driver brakes suddenly.
If you cannot avoid driving near a truck, leaving at least ten seconds of a distance “cushion” between the two vehicles is the best course of action.
3. Take Extra Precautions When Merging and Passing
If you can merge away or otherwise pass a truck instead of ending up too close behind them, you should do so. However, you must take extra precautions when you do so.
Some of these include the following:
- Avoid Passing on the Right-Hand Side: Truckers have a blind spot on the right side of their rigs; driving there means they won’t see you.
- Avoid Passing When Going Down a Hill or Around a Steep Curve: These conditions are dangerous for passenger cars, and the danger is only compounded by a truck’s presence.
- Ensure Visibility: Before merging in front, ensure you can see the truck in your rearview mirror.
Finally, remember that trucks need plenty of time and space to stop safely, so make sure there’s extra space between you and the truck as it changes lanes.
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4. Be Prepared for Wide Turns
Large trucks and buses need extra space to make left and right turns safely and carefully. Apply more space than necessary between your vehicle and the truck or bus when you know a turn is up ahead, and pay attention to any signs the driver gives that they may be making a turn (such as turning on a signal or flagging passing cars).
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5. Never Drive Fatigued Or Under the Influence
Getting behind the wheel when you’re tired or compromised by drugs or alcohol can lead to a catastrophic passenger vehicle accident, and it can be doubly devastating if the accident involves a large truck or bus. Be alert at all times. If in doubt, sit it out.
Safety First
Even under the best circumstances, accidents happen. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Texas, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim
For more information, contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Houston
3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350
Houston, TX 77098
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – East Fwy
11811 East Fwy, Suite 630-06
Houston, TX 77029
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2600 S Loop W, Suite 293
Houston, TX 77054
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Katy Freeway
11511 Katy Fwy Suite 515
Houston, TX 77079
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Burnet
205 S Pierce St.
Burnet, TX 78611
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Clear Lake
1300 Bay Area Blvd Suite B268
Houston, TX 77058
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1776 Woodstead Ct ste 203,
The Woodlands, TX 77380
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