4 Tips for Driving Around Tractor Trailers

Sharing the roads with tractor trailers that can weigh 100,000 pounds or more means you should put some thought into how to drive around these trucks. Many studies are done on the number of accidents caused by truck drivers - but if you're driving around a tractor trailer with the same abandon you do another car, you could be in an accident - and it could very well be deadly - and your fault.

Here are 4 tips for driving around tractor trailers:

1) Don't Drive in a Tractor Trailer's Blind Spots

The size of a tractor trailer contributes to excessive blind spots on both sides of the truck and directly behind them. If you're riding close to the rear end of the tractor trailer - the driver can't see you. If you're riding on either side of the truck on a multi-lane highway, chances are the driver can't see you. Don't drive in the blind spots and if you must pass a tractor trailer, do so quickly so you aren't in the blind spot on the side of the truck for any length of time.

2) Don't Pull Out in Front of a Tractor Trailer

A vehicle weighing 100,000 pounds needs more time to stop than a car. In fact, a truck with normal weight driving 55 miles per hour needs 400 feet to come to a complete stop. That's about the length of a football field. If you pull out in front of the truck but misjudge how much time you have to get moving, the driver is not going to get that truck to stop in time.

3) Don't Stop Unexpectedly in Front of a Tractor Trailer

For the same reason that you should never pull out in front of a tractor trailer, you don't want to stop unexpectedly in front of one, either. They can't come to a stop quick enough and will slam into the back of your car.

4) Do Not Go Around a Tractor Trailer on the Right Side

Have you ever seen a tractor trailer make a right hand turn? They need to take the corner wide. Sometimes cars try to make the turn faster than the tractor trailer, along the right side. The truck driver can't see the car in that position due to the blind spots, and the truck is likely to hit the car that's attempting to make the corner faster than the truck.



If you have been injured in a vehicle accident with a tractor trailer, seek out the assistance of our experienced attorneys by calling toll free at 877-288-9191 or use our free online contact form.




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