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San Antonio 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers – Driving Tips

Serious and sometimes fatal truck accidents are on the rise. Our law firm’s Texas truck accident attorneys want citizens everywhere to practice driving with extra care when sharing the road with a tractor-trailer or semi-truck. Below are safety guidelines compiled by our firm to ensure safe passage for you and your loved ones on Texas highways and roads throughout the nation:

Avoid blind spots. 
Truck and bus drivers have large No-Zones (blind spots) on both sides. A rule of thumb is that if you cannot see the driver’s face in the side-view mirror, the driver cannot see you. If your car is next to a large truck, drive past the truck if you can do so safely or maintain a safe distance behind the truck. If you are passing, drive your car on the left side where the blind spot is smaller.

Never cut in front of a truck.
They require a greater stopping distance, and a serious accident could result if you force a semi-truck to stop quickly.  When passing, look for the front of the semi-truck in your rear-view mirror before pulling in front.

Always wear your seat belt.
Never follow a large truck too closely. Keep 20 to 25 car lengths between the front of your vehicle and the back of a large truck. This extra distance will allow you to see in front of the truck. If there is congested traffic or an accident up ahead, you will see it in time to stop or safely steer your car away from danger. More info on this website
Don’t get squeezed.
Semi-truck drivers must swing wide to the left to negotiate a right turn. When truck drivers make wide right turns, they can’t see smaller vehicles directly behind or beside them.  Never get between the truck and a curb, or you may be in a “squeeze” and suffer serious injuries.

Never drink and drive.

Use extra caution when passing.
After passing, do not pull your car back into the truck’s traffic lane until you can see its headlights in your rearview mirror.

Watch brake lights.
When sharing the highway with a big rig, pay close attention to its brake lights and signals and act accordingly.

Always remember that a loaded tractor-trailer or semi-truck needs as much as 100 yards — the length of a  football field — to come to a complete stop. No matter how crowded the highway is, maintain this safe distance. If the truck driver ignores this margin of safety and follows your car too closely, do not take a chance. Move your car into another traffic lane.

Be cautious of others on the roadway.
Aggressive and inattentive drivers place others at risk. They can also contribute to a semi-truck accident that involves an innocent and safe-driving third party.

Stay away from aggressive and inattentive drivers.
Always use your turn signals when changing lanes. Drivers around you need to know what you are doing to maintain safe driving distances.