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Tips to avoid truck accidents

On Behalf of | Apr 24, 2017 | Truck Accidents

It is safe to say that many highway drivers have experienced the panic of a big rig operator crossing into their path without seeming to realize there was a car in the lane. Because of their size and shape, tractor-trailers have many blind spots, and truck accidents occur when smaller vehicles travel in those areas where they can’t be seen by the truck driver. New York motorists may be able to avoid such collisions if they know the danger zones around a truck.

One good rule of thumb is that when a driver cannot see the sideview mirrors on a tractor-trailer, it is likely that the truck driver cannot see the smaller vehicle. Blind spots where the truck driver loses sight of another vehicle occur at a certain point on either side of the truck. Since the trucker cannot see through the trailer he or she is hauling, any vehicle behind the truck is in a blind spot. Smaller cars and motorcycles directly in front of the truck’s cab may also be out of the driver’s line of sight.

The best way for a smaller vehicle to avoid an accident when passing a tractor-trailer is to signal and move quickly to avoid lingering in the blind spots. If a truck signals to turn right, cars on the left should be alert for wide left swings. It is best for small cars and motorcycles to avoid traveling directly in front of the truck.

No matter how much caution a driver takes to avoid an accident with a big rig, a lot depends on the actions of the truck operator. Tractor-trailer drivers who drive while impaired, fail to stay alert or are too fatigued to stay awake are responsible for many truck accidents that result in needless grief. In New York, those who are victims of negligent truck drivers have recourse to legal advice if they choose to seek compensation for their pain and suffering.

Source: thetruckersreport.com, “Truck Blind Spots: Know the Danger Zones”, Accessed on April 21, 2017

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