Trucking Safety Tips

Driving a truck or even driving near a truck can be scary and often dangerous when certain trucking safety steps aren't taken. Whether next to a truck on the freeway or driving a semi-truck, we want to remind everyone of trucking safety tips to ensure you get from point A to point B safely.

Trucking Safety Tips as the Driver

As you know, driving a semi-truck is a daunting task that takes skill and precision. However, no matter how good you have gotten at driving your truck here are some safety tips to keep in mind so you can keep the roads safe.

Check Your Blind Spots

This seems like an obvious tip, but many trucking accidents on the road are caused by truck drivers who fail to check their blind spots. The rule of thumb is to check your blind spots every 8-10 seconds. Additionally, check the road around you about every 15 seconds.

Remember, Long Stopping Distances

Large trucks need the length of two football fields to stop safely. Driving too fast or close behind another vehicle is a recipe for disaster, especially in inclement weather. Keep your distance from other drivers and keep everyone safe.

Make Wide Turns Carefully

When making a wide turn, you have nothing but time. Take your time and be careful- many obstacles can present themselves while actively turning.

Wear Your Seatbelt

We get it; you are on the road all the time. But that's even more of a reason to always wear your seatbelt. You never know what is around the corner, and you want to be protected and safe.

Trucking Safety Tips as a Sedan Driver

When you're on the road, it's just as essential to driving safely around semi-trucks as it is for them to practice safety. Here are some tips to help you stay safe.

Watch Out For Their Blind Spots

Being mindful of a truck driver's blind spots can keep you and them safe. Remember that if you can't see them, they can't see you. Stay clear of their blind spots at all times.

Do Not Follow Close Behind

Give truck drivers plenty of space from behind. If you are a small car and the truck slams on its brakes, rear-ending them can cause severe to life-threatening injuries.

Do Not Cut Them Off

It takes a truck the size of two football fields to stop. If you cut them off or get too close to them in traffic, they may not have enough time to stop.

What To Do If You Have Been in a Semi-Truck Accident

If you have been injured from a truck accident that wasn't your fault, then you may have a right to compensation. Here's what to do if you have been in a truck accident.

Call 911

If possible, call 911 and get emergency vehicles out there as soon as possible. Not only will a police report help, but if you need medical attention they can send for help right away.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don't feel like you have injuries, being seen by a doctor is crucial as many injuries don't show for a couple of days. Seeking medical attention right away will ensure you do not have internal bleeding, whiplash, or other injuries. And if you do have injuries, seeking medical help will get you on the road to recovery.

Do Not Talk to Insurance Companies

Whatever you do, do not talk to the trucking company's insurance, driver, or trucking company. Their goal is to find you liable and get out of having to compensate you.

Call The Law Offices of John M. McCabe

Calling a truck accident lawyer at The Law Offices of John M. McCabe will ensure you get the most compensation possible after your accident.

How Will a Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?

Establishing that violations of trucking laws occurred can be critical in your case for financial compensation that meaningfully addresses medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. We ask the right questions and tap the right resources to expose negligence, such as:

• Driver fatigue related to exceeding maximum on-the-road hours, lack of rest breaks, and other regulatory violations — traceable in some cases to unreasonable, illegal demands by the trucking company
• Driver distraction leads to unsafe turns, lane changes, and other dangerous maneuvers
• Overloading or improper loading of 18-wheelers and other transport vehicles
• Inadequate truck inspections or negligent maintenance leading to brake failures, steering failures, trailer/cargo detachment, and other significant accident risks

Statewide Representation: We Stay On Top Of All Regulatory Changes

Trucking regulations evolve over time, as has occurred recently with raised awareness of driver fatigue and distraction as frequent, serious accident causes. Our Raleigh trucking safety regulations lawyers stay on top of these changes at a level that brings requests to conduct legal seminars on this subject.

We are up to the challenge presented by drivers, companies, and insurers concealing evidence of wrongdoing, including over-hours driving. Our investigative team is adept at bringing forth evidence and witness testimony to prove that regulatory violations occurred.