Taking a Road Trip This Summer? Stay Safe Around Large Trucks

June 13, 2018 | truck accident

With the summer months right around the corner, many people in the Indianapolis area are planning road trips to see friends, family, or any of the various attractions around the United States. According to a survey conducted by Bridgestone Americas, nearly 90 percent of Americans planned a summer road trip in 2015, and there is no reason to believe that this figure has substantially declined in recent years. With so many people hitting the road this summer, remember how to stay safe when traveling from place to place.

Safety Tips

Summer road trips typically involve driving on highways and interstates where passenger vehicles often share the road with large commercial trucks, which are capable of causing serious injuries and significant damage when they are involved in collisions. Fortunately, drivers of passenger vehicles can make themselves as safe as possible when they are around large trucks and buses. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), drivers can avoid causing or experiencing problems with large trucks and buses by following the following tips:

• Stay out of large vehicles’ blind spots (or “No Zones”), which are directly in front of, behind, and to either side of a truck.
• Make sure you can see the driver in the mirror before passing, signal your lane change, and pass quickly.
• Don’t cut in front of a large commercial truck or bus. These vehicles have much longer stopping distances than passenger cars and trucks and cannot quickly slow down and avoid a collision.
• Don’t follow large buses or trucks too closely
• Give larger vehicles plenty of room to turn
• Remain patient with large vehicles
• Always wear your seatbelt
• Avoid distractions when you drive
• Do not drive fatigued
• Never drive when you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Accidents Can Happen Even to the Safest Drivers

By following the tips above, you can minimize your risk of an accident with a large truck. Unfortunately, drivers of large trucks and buses frequently violate the rules of the road and cause injuries to others.

If you are one of those unlucky few, protect your right to recover compensation for your losses:

• Document as much information as you can about the crash
• Do not post about the accident on social media
• Speak to an Indianapolis truck accident lawyer as soon as possible, know your rights before giving a statement to the insurance company.

Call Merry Fountain Today for a Free Consultation

Automobile accident lawyer Merry Fountain is a skilled injury advocate. If you are looking for a truck accident or delivery truck accident lawyer in the greater Indy area—Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Zionsville, Brownsburg, Avon, Kokomo, Lebanon—she’s here to help! Call her anytime at 1-888-242-HURT (4878), or simply click Tell Us About Your Case for a free consultation.