Five Tips to Avoid Semi-Truck Accidents

Miami is a city full of sun, sand, beautiful beaches and semi-trucks. Residents of the city have become so immune to these giant motor vehicles, they do not realize that they have mastered an incredible skill. If you are new to the city and have yet to master it, the team at Jeffrey R. Davis, P.A. is happy to help.

Driving on unfamiliar roads is a hazard; driving on those same roads next to 18-wheelers is dangerous. These large semi-trucks and tour buses take longer to maneuver in critical phases of driving. Understanding how to avoid run-ins with these vehicles could be the difference between life and death. Follow our tips and stay safe while driving.

1. Know the Blind Spots

When you learned to drive, you were taught about blind spots that cars have. Every time a new car is purchased, we learn our new blind spots. They are usually to the right and left of our cars, and new cars are equipped with lane-sensing technology to prevent their drivers from merging into traffic.

Semi-trucks drivers have enormous gaps in their vision, including the majority of their container equipment. This means that it is not only to their immediate left or right, but the majority of the truck. It is best to stay in areas 20 feet from the truck’s cab or 30 feet behind the trailer. If you can’t see the driver and his eyes in the mirror, he can’t see you.

2. Pass the Trucks

Although passing a semi-truck may seem difficult at first, it is actually the most recommended method of avoiding them. This is much safer than riding alongside or behind it. It is also recommended that they are passed in a swift manner to avoid staying in a blind spot for too long.

Make sure that you are at a safe distance to merge in front of it, as it can take trucks about double the time of a car to come to a complete stop. It is not recommended to pass them on the right or downhill.

3. Be Mindful of Wide Turns

Semi-trucks and large vehicles must make wide turns. It is important to be mindful of them and leave them space if they would like to turn in to your lane. If you notice a truck attempting a turn in front of you, do not get in between them and the curve.

4. Be Alert

Many of the accidents between semi-trucks and cars happen because one or both of the drivers are not paying attention to their surroundings. It is very easy to get distracted in our world with cellular devices, GPS and friends or family.

It is critical to maintain your attention on the road, especially in the busy streets of South Florida. Distracted driving has become an epidemic throughout our nation, and can prove to be a costly mistake whether or not semi-trucks are involved.

5. Stay Awake

Summer is around the corner. Time spent outdoors at the beach and parks could fatigue you at an alarming rate. Make sure that you feel fit to drive before sitting behind the wheel. Remember, there are always rideshare options like Uber and Lyft to get us home.

Miami is a wonderful city to explore and whiz around, but we must always stay alert to our surroundings. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident with a semi-truck or tour bus, contact the professionals at Jeffrey R. Davis, P.A. For an experienced lawyer that is ready to help, call Jeffrey R. Davis, P.A. to schedule a free case review.