Read
More
With your important role in the shipping industry and the potential dangers of your huge vehicle, you – as a truck driver, are expected to meet a notably higher standard of safety. Even your smallest hindsight or mistaken judgment can cause very tragic consequences. Rad Law Firm would like to friendly remind you of what should be on your lookouts when driving your thousand-pound truck:
Speed Limits
Speed limits do not only mean driving slower or faster than what’s on the signs. They also mean driving to different weather and road conditions. Even if you already are a seasoned truck driver, there is still a lot of shifting to do when traversing roads with varying speed limits; more so when there are other types of vehicles buzzing around. You should also accordingly adjust your pace when the weather is rainy foggy, icy or a work zone is ahead.
Keeping the Distance
Keep enough distance between your truck and the vehicle in its front. If you hit someone from behind, Rad Law Firm assures that you will have the toughest times of proving you were not “at fault”. Take advantage or your driving height to foresee braking situations and prepare for longer stopping distances. It is better to slowly reduce the speed of your truck than slamming the breaks when caught off-guard, as an abrupt break is a major cause for a truck trip over.
Low and Narrow Clearances
Some drivers think that they can outmaneuver and squeeze past low clearance bridges and overpasses. But you – you’re a professional. You know that prior to going under an overpass, you should verify if your truck has the clearance to safely go through. Many large and interstate roads in the country have overpasses wide enough for commercial motor vehicles, and most of our permanent low clearances are well labeled. They help you to avoid the rather preventable under blunders, which can make you lose your job in an instant.
Rest Areas
Not all roads have enough safety rest areas and information centers. Fortunately, Texas has 100 themed stops where you can ask about road conditions, directions and local attractions. Most especially when you are getting tired, lost or uncertain about the weather, stop at the nearest safety area for some rest and information.
The Blind Side
Not only you should be keen to what you can see, but you should also be aware of what you cannot see. “No-Zones” or blind spots are the areas where you have limited to zero visibility. About one-third of the collisions between a truck and another vehicle occur in these No-Zones. Other car drivers are not aware of how large your No-Zones are, so be a defensive yet cautious driver. Before swerving, speeding or changing lanes, bear in mind that some drivers may be hanging or passing by your blind spot.
Remember that most truck crashes are due to the negligence of the driver of the truck or of the other car involved. You do not want to be the negligent driver. Furthermore, collisions come with lost productivity, delayed shipments and possible personal injury lawsuit. If you are already going through one, talk to us. Rad Law Firm is here to help you.
