You have probably had to share the road with semi trucks in and around the Frankfort area. You may have even had a few close calls with one of these large trucks. When driving near semis, the most important thing you can do is to stay alert. Also, you should remember to give truckers plenty of room.
While driving close to large commercial trucks can be very dangerous, there are some things you can to decrease the chances of an accident. The next time you find yourself driving next to a semi truck, keep the below things in mind.
Blowouts are typical
Tire blowouts are a common problem with large semi trucks. Not only can the trucker start swerving when this happens, he or she could also completely lose control. In addition, blowouts send very large chunks of rubber flying across the road, which by themselves, can do a significant amount of damage and possibly cause a car accident. By keeping your distance from large trucks, you can reduce your chances of becoming involved in an accident due to a blowout.
Trucks function like sails
Even though many trucks are hauling up to 80,000 pounds in cargo, the wind can still blow them around the road. The main reason for this is the increased surface area of the trailers which creates the sail-like effect. If the truck is carrying an empty trailer, the wind can blow the truck around the road even more. In order to avoid getting side-swiped because of heavy winds, do not linger on the side of trucks.
Blind spots surround the truck
While your car has blind spots, trucks have even larger “no-go zones.” In general, unless you are able to make eye contact with the driver, it is safe to assume that you are probably in a blind spot. In order to limit the chance of an accident, always pass semis on the left, and quickly.
Trucks make wide turns
When turning, truckers have to swing their cabs wide in order to execute the maneuver. This is especially so when it comes to right turns. If a truck is turning in front of you, the best thing you can do is to just wait until they have completed the turn. Do not try to pass the truck, even if there are separate lanes that would otherwise accommodate passenger vehicles. The truck is more than likely going to swing into the next lane over, so give it the room it needs to do so.
While the above tips might help you stay safe when you share the road with semi trucks, it may not be possible to avoid every danger. If you have suffered an injury due to an accident with a semi truck, you might be able to file a claim for your injuries and the damages to your vehicle.
