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What Everyone Should Know About Sharing The Road With Semis
Sharing the road with semi trucks is part of everyday driving, whether you’re on the highway or passing through town. These large vehicles are essential for transporting goods, but their size and weight also make them a real safety concern in the event of a crash.
Our Tampa, FL truck accident lawyer has helped many drivers recover after collisions involving semis, so we’ve seen how devastating truck accidents can be, and how many of them could have been prevented. If you’re on the road near a big rig, it’s important to stay alert and follow the following safety guidelines.
Stay Out Of Blind Spots
One of the most important safety tips is to avoid the truck’s blind spots, sometimes called “no-zones.” These areas include the sides of the truck, directly in front of the cab, and directly behind the trailer. If you can’t see the truck driver in their side mirror, they likely can’t see you either. Staying visible helps prevent unsafe lane changes and other common causes of collisions.
Leave Extra Following Distance
Tailgating a semi puts you at risk. Trucks take significantly longer to stop than passenger cars. If the truck slams on the brakes and you’re too close behind, there may not be enough time or space to avoid a crash. We recommend leaving at least four seconds of space between your vehicle and the truck in front of you. Increase that distance in poor weather or low visibility conditions.
Pass With Caution
When passing a semi truck, always use the left lane and move past quickly without lingering. Don’t pass on the right, and never cut back in too closely in front of the truck. The driver may not be able to stop quickly if something happens up ahead. Always make sure there’s plenty of room before merging back into the lane.
Give Trucks Room To Turn
Trucks need more space to complete turns—especially right-hand turns. It’s common for trucks to swing wide or use multiple lanes to make a safe turn. If you see a turn signal, do not try to slip past or drive between the truck and the curb. Give them the room they need to complete their maneuver safely.
Be Extra Careful In Poor Weather
Rain, wind, and slippery roads can affect a semi’s ability to stay stable and stop safely. High winds can cause a trailer to sway or tip, while wet roads increase braking distances. If the weather is bad, increase your distance from large trucks and drive more cautiously when passing.
Practice Patience Around Trucks
Semis take longer to accelerate, change lanes, and stop. Tailgating, honking, or aggressive driving near them only makes things more dangerous. Patience and defensive driving help protect everyone on the road, including truck drivers doing their job.
Get Legal Help If You’ve Been Injured
Truck accidents often cause serious injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a collision with a semi, you may be entitled to compensation. At Mickey Keenan P.A., we’re here to help you understand your legal options and take the next step. Don’t wait to get the support you need. Contact our team today to set up a free initial consultation.