Cutting off a truck rarely leads to a good outcome. Oftentimes, the truck is blindsided by a vehicle and must take drastic steps to avoid a collision. This is due to the truck’s lower reaction time due to the nature of an 18-wheeler. Drivers should keep in mind that trucks need a longer time to brake. This is due to the weight of a truck. A driver who cuts off a tractor trailer and immediately brakes could find themselves in an accident.
A truck’s blind spots are much bigger than that of a passenger vehicle. Therefore, a truck driver might not see a vehicle that is in front of them. When a driver cuts off a truck, this puts them at a much higher risk for a rear-end accident. This is especially true if the car driver brakes immediately after passing in front of the truck.
Safety Tips When Encountering a Truck
When a driver shares the road with a tractor trailer, they should employ certain safety tips to avoid an accident. One thing a driver should note is that truck drivers do not see vehicles that are closer than 10-50 meters behind the truck. Since there is a blind spot, drivers who are closer than this range put themselves at a high risk for a truck accident. Therefore, it is crucial for drivers to maintain a safe distance behind tractor trailers.
Before switching lanes, a driver must ensure that their vehicle is clear. When passing a tractor trailer, drivers should make sure that they see the entire truck in their rearview mirror. Doing so prevents a driver from side-sweeping a truck. It is important to note that the driver must maintain a safe distance in front of the truck. This avoids a rear-end accident, which could lead to a variety of injuries.
Our Virginia Beach Truck Accident Lawyers Help Victims of Truck Accidents
If you or a loved one was the victim of a truck accident that resulted in injuries, fatalities, or vehicular damage, contact a Virginia Beach truck accident lawyer right away. At East Coast Trial Lawyers, our lawyers help victims collect damages for both economic and noneconomic losses resulting from a truck accident. Contact us online or call us at 757-352-2237 for a free consultation. Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, we proudly serve clients throughout Chesapeake, Eastern Shores, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, as well as North Carolina and nationwide.
