07/16/2009
Texas 18-wheeler accident lawyer Amy K. Whiterite, who fights aggressively in Texas courtrooms for wrongfully injured victims involved in motor vehicle collisions with tractor trailers, 18-wheelers, semi trucks, and other big rigs wants the public to understand these tragic and potentially fatal accidents can be avoided. In 2005, across the nation, there were 442,000 collisions, which involved big rig trucks costing 5,212 people their lives, and leaving 114,000 others seriously injured. With 3.3 million truckers navigating our nations highways every day, traffic accidents are inevitable. Due to the long hours and large incentives by trucking companies to complete deliveries quickly and efficiently, truckers often experience symptoms of fatigue and boredom, that lead to tragic motor vehicle collisions. According to federal and state regulations, truck drivers are limited to only 12 hours of service, but the enticing incentives pushes trucker drivers to travel for many hours past what is lawfully allowed.
The average 18-wheeler can weigh anywhere from 12,100 pounds to 80,000 pounds which makes the semi-truck less maneuverable in tight situations. The heavy big rigs start and stop slowly making it difficult for them to avoid accidents if another vehicle crosses into their path. There are ways other motorists traveling on our nations highways and roadways to avoid potentially catastrophic traffic collisions.
1. Be alert and pay attention–Always treat tractor-trailers differently then other motorists. Due to the sheer size and weight of large trucks, it makes it more difficult for truck drivers to avoid hitting other motorists if there isn’t enough distance between yourself and the truck to stop. Always keep a safe distance between you and a semi truck, especially if you are attempting to change lanes in front of a semi truck.
2. Stay visible–Semi trucks have large blind spots, if possible avoid driving next to a semi truck for prolonged period of time; it is difficult and sometimes impossible for the driver to see you. The rule of thumb is: if you can see the trucks side mirrors or the driver, they can see you. In addition, if the truck has its turn signals on, pay attention, the driver may not see you and proceed to turn in front of you.
3. Take precautions if roadway and/or weather conditions are hazardous—Adverse weather and roadway conditions affect all motorists, not just large trucks on the road. Reducing your speed in rain, smoke, fog, or snow can significantly lower the risks of roadway crashes. Give yourself more room to slow down in hazardous conditions, which sometimes makes it hard to stop quickly or see upcoming motorists. When entering a highway from entrance ramps, pay extra attention to oncoming motorists, semi trucks usually travel in the far right lane, which is the same lane drivers use to enter freeways. Take caution when merging, as it is hard for truckers to slow down for motorists entering a freeway.
4. If you encounter a problem and need to stop on a highway, pull completely off the road—Trucker’s are known to follow traffic, and they may accidentally follow you off onto the shoulder, potentially hitting your vehicle. Truck drivers are widely known to suffer from fatigue, making it difficult for them to distinguish who is one the road and who isn’t. To be safe pull your car, SUV, truck, or van completely off the road to address any situation you may have encountered. Always remain in your vehicle while waiting for help with your seatbelt fastened. If you are unable to move completely off the roadway, exit your vehicle and wait in a safe location far from moving traffic.
5. Resist “road rage”—Avoid aggressive actions or exhibiting “road rage” behaviors towards large trucks. Truckers will often tailgate and drive aggressively due to impatience from long hours of driving and pressure to meet delivery deadlines. If a truck driver is driving aggressively, the best thing to do is to slow down and let them pass. Remember to always report aggressive or hazardous truck drivers to authorities when possible.
6. Expect the unexpected—On our nations highways and roadways anything can happen. Be prepared to encounter hazardous situations, and be able to address those situations in the safest manner as possible. Keep in mind to not only keep your distance from truckers, but also be cautious towards other drivers; they can cause accidents as well.
While traveling on our nations highways and roadways it is always important to practice safety precautions around tractor-trailers and other motorists. Always be alert, cautious, and expect the unexpected.
Contact Dallas Attorney Amy K. Whiterite at
888-407-6669
