How Can Truckers Prevent Accidents in Arizona?

Collisions involving these oversized trucks and smaller passenger vehicles can have tragic consequences, so it’s important to be prepared.

Oftentimes, trucking accidents cause devastating results to those involved, especially when a truck collides with a passenger car. When a truck driver is injured in one of these accidents, it may be difficult for them to cope in the aftermath because they may be out of work for a prolonged period of time or lose their job. Much of the time, the onus falls on the trucker to prevent accidents. Because they operate a much larger, more powerful vehicle, it’s important for commercial truck drivers to keep a few safety tips in mind.

If you’ve sustained injuries in a truck accident in Arizona, contact the Phoenix accident attorneys at ELG. Our team of Arizona truck accident attorneys is here to help. While not all truck accidents can be avoided, there are a few ways you can stay safe next time you hit the road.

How Can Truckers Avoid Serious Accidents?

First, truckers should stay cognizant of their blind spots. Oftentimes, 18-wheeler truck accidents occur off to the side of the cab, behind the side mirrors, or directly behind a truck. Truckers can prevent any of these accidents by utilizing caution before turning, merging, or changing lanes.

Truckers should also make sure they get enough sleep. The nature of long-haul trucking means a trucker’s sleep may not take priority. But drowsy truck driving can have catastrophic consequences, so it’s essential that truck drivers take enough breaks and rest stops on the road. Furthermore, truckers should eat healthily and get enough exercise. A healthy lifestyle ensures that truckers stay alert on the road. Though it’s hard for truckers to follow a regular routine or balanced diet on long trips, companies and their drivers must keep these tips at top of mind.

Finally, truckers and their companies have a duty to maintain their trucks. On the road, truckers should check tire pressure to make sure it’s appropriate. They must monitor fluid levels, adjust their mirrors, and check their brakes frequently. By doing all of these things, truckers can prevent the majority of accidents that occur.

How Can Drivers Stay Safe Near Big Rigs?

Drivers also have a responsibility to maintain safe practices around trucks. To start, keeping enough space around your vehicle is essential when you’re traveling next to large trucks. When you’re driving near large trucks, simply give them more space. Make sure you always drive at least five seconds behind a truck to give yourself enough time to react as well. Though you can’t control other drivers’ actions or improperly-secured cargo, you can increase your reaction time and awareness of other vehicles.

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

Lastly, both truckers and other drivers should follow traffic laws. It seems intuitive but following traffic laws in your county is extremely important. Wearing your seatbelt at all times is one of the easiest ways to avoid serious injury from truck accidents. In Arizona, drivers and front-seat passengers, as well as passengers under age 16, are required to wear seatbelts by law. Seatbelts protect you in the event of a collision and reduce your risk of injury or death after a serious car crash in Arizona.

Truck Accident Attorney in Arizona

You can stay safer on the road by keeping these tips in mind, whether you’re a trucker or another driver. But even the best drivers can’t always avoid truck accidents. If you’re injured or your vehicle is damaged in a truck accident, contact our Phoenix accident attorneys at ELG. Call our truck accident lawyers in Arizona at (623) 877-3600 for a free consultation and legal representation today.