Tips for Driving Safely Around Trucks

From highways to residential streets, defensive driving is key in preventing serious accidents. But tips for defensive driving often leave out best practices for driving near large trucks and buses. Collisions involving these oversized trucks and smaller passenger vehicles can have tragic consequences, so it’s important to be prepared.

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in Arizona, contact the Phoenix auto accident attorneys at ELG Law – our team of auto accident lawyers is here to help. While not all auto accidents with trucks can be avoided, there are a few ways you can stay safe next time you hit the road. Here are five tips to keep in mind when you’re driving near oversized vehicles.

Always Signal

It’s important to always use your signals. When drivers merge or change lanes without signaling, they can collide with other cars they didn’t see, especially large trucks. Because commercial vehicles are much heavier and larger, they require more space and distance to move. By using your turn signals and adjusting ahead of time, you can keep other drivers in the loop and avoid a collision.

Leave Enough Space

Keeping enough space around your vehicle is essential, especially when you’re traveling next to large trucks. Large trucks require more space than cars. Make sure you always drive at least five seconds behind a truck to give yourself enough time to react. Though you can’t control other drivers’ actions, you can increase your reaction time and awareness of other vehicles.

Avoid Blind Spots

You should always avoid other drivers’ blind spots on the road, but when it comes to large trucks, this rule is especially important. Large trucks have more blind spots, blocking a larger amount of space. Avoid the spaces 20 feet ahead of the truck and 30 feet behind the truck, as well as the area adjacent to the driver’s side.

Wear Your Seatbelt

Wearing your seatbelt at all times is one of the easiest ways to avoid auto accidents. And in Arizona, drivers and front-seat passengers, as well as passengers under age 16, are required to wear seat belts by law. Seat belts will protect you in the event of an accident and reduce your risk of injury or death after an auto accident.

Adjust Headlights

Always remember to adjust your headlights. Bright headlights could affect truck drivers’ sight because they reflect off trucks’ rearview mirrors easily. When headlights impair a truck driver’s vision, it may affect their ability to operate their truck safely.

Be cognizant of your headlights at all times, especially when you’re using your high beams. Lower your high beams when you see an oncoming truck or vehicle on the roadway.

Auto Accident Attorney in Phoenix

When you keep these five tips for driving safely in mind, you’ll be well-prepared on the road. But even the best drivers can’t always avoid auto accidents. If you’re injured or your vehicle is damaged in an auto accident, contact our Phoenix auto accident attorneys at ELG Law. Call us at (623) 562-3838 for a free consultation and legal representation today.