How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents

The East Texas area is home to several extremely dangerous roads. For instance, Interstate 20 (from Canton to Tyler and through Longview) has a long history of dangerous 18 wheeler accidents. Many of these 18 wheeler wrecks have led to the wrongful deaths of numerous victims.

However, many of these 18-wheeler wrecks can be prevented. Drivers can take preventative measures to avoid becoming a victim in a truck wreck. As a truck wreck attorney, I have noticed that the police reports in many instances blame the people driving the passenger cars. In my experience as an 18 wheeler accident attorney, I have compiled a list of some of the best practices to remain safe when sharing the road with truckers:

• Do Not Follow Too Closely
  Drivers should follow this universal rule of the road with special care when driving behind a tractor trailer. You should leave at least 2-3 car lengths between your vehicle and the big rig. In poor weather conditions, such as rain, fog, high winds, you should give yourself even more space. While driving behind a trucker can be frustrating if you are in a hurry, you should learn to be as patient as possible and avoid tailgating.
• Allow Trucks to Pass
  Truckers have a reputation (whether deserved or undeserved) of driving aggressively on the roadway. If you notice a trucker tailgating you on the highway, the best practice is to let them pass. The last thing you want is 100,000 pounds riding less than a car length behind you at over 65 miles an hour, with only a brake and the reaction time of a truck driver between you and a catastrophic wreck.
• Stay Alert
  You should absolutely never text and drive, especially when surrounded by 18 wheelers on the highway. Keep your hands on the wheel and watch the road. Your attentiveness and awareness to your surroundings may be what keeps you and your family alive.
• Stay out of the Trucker’s Blind Spot: Remember the “No Zone”
  Have you ever started to change lanes, only to realize through the honk of a horn that someone is in your blind spot? Magnify that blind spot by 50 and that describes what a trucker on the highway is working with. When you are driving closely behind an 18-wheeler, or attempting to pass one, it’s highly likely that the truck driver may have difficulty seeing you. Truckers refer to this large blind spot as the “no zone.” You need to be aware of where you are in relation to the “no zone”. When you allow several car lengths between you and the 18 wheeler in front of you, you can prevent a dangerous accident.
• Avoid Slamming Your Brakes in Front of an 18-Wheeler
  Stopping a 100,000 pound, fully loaded tractor trailer barreling down the highway at 70 miles an hour is not an easy task. If you see an indication that you will need to decelerate or stop ahead (yellow light, break lights in front of you, stop sign, etc.) and you notice an 18-wheeler behind you, you should start slowing down as soon as possible so that the truck will be able to do the same.

These tips may sound like Driver’s Ed 101, but fatalities from truck wrecks have increased continually in the last 5 years. These simple tips can help prevent you and your family from becoming part of those statistics.

To find out how we can help you with an 18 wheeler accident lawsuit, contact the Flowers Law Firm today at 903-965-2000, or email us at info@flowers-law.com. Our friendly staff will ask a few questions about your case and connect you to an 18 wheeler accident lawsuit attorney.