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When heavy rigs make unsafe lane changes, highway accidents often ensue. When a car makes an unsafe lane change, the results are often bad. When a commercial truck weighing 80,000 pounds makes an unsafe lane change, catastrophic accidents may ensue. When truck drivers are in a hurry to reach their destination, they might make frequent lane changes. Although truck drivers gain only a few minutes by making constant lane changes, they are increasing the odds for a potentially fatal collision with a smaller vehicle.
Truck Drivers and Lane Changes
A truck driver must always operate their vehicle in a safe manner. Even in the best circumstances, commercial trucks making lane changes may prove dangerous. These big rigs have large blind spots, so the driver may not see a car in the next lane. When an accident happens due to an unsafe lane change, it is likely the truck driver did not follow the rules of the road, including:
- Not signaling the lane change
- Not checking the blind spot
- Speeding while lane-changing
- Changing more than one lane
- Weaving between lanes
- Lane-changing at an intersection
- Lane-splitting
- Risky merging
Distracted driving on the part of the truck driver may cause unsafe lane changes. Such distractions may include cellphone use or eating or drinking while driving. Truck drivers often drive when fatigued, which can lead to unsafe lane-changing. Inexperienced truck drivers are at higher risk of making unsafe lane changes, perhaps because they did not receive proper training.
Truck Drivers and the No Zone
The no zone is what the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) considers the blind spots around the front, back, and sides of the truck. When cars are in the no zone, truck drivers cannot see them. The FMCSA warns drivers of smaller vehicles to beware of a truck’s no zones while on the road, but there is little another driver can do about a truck driver’s unsafe lane change. Truck drivers should remain aware of the no zone, and it is not an excuse for the driver when they change lanes. Modern commercial trucks have convex rear-view mirrors, which should allow the driver to view vehicles in the no zone. It is the responsibility of the truck driver to ensure the mirrors are aligned correctly so that there is a good view of traffic.
Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Virginia Beach Represent Victims Injured in Truck Accidents
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, you need the services of the experienced Virginia Beach truck accident lawyers. At East Coast Trial Lawyers, we will conduct a thorough investigation to determine all parties liable for your injuries. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 757-352-2237 or contact us online. Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, we represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Eastern Shores, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, as well as North Carolina and nationwide.
