As you drive through the great state of New Jersey, you’ll regularly find yourself sharing the road with commercial trucks. While this happens most often on the highway, don’t be surprised when you come across these vehicles in the city.
It’s important to take special caution when driving in close proximity to commercial trucks, as doing so can help you avoid an accident. Here are five safety tips to follow at all times:
- Make yourself visible: There are “no-zones” that you should avoid, including the area directly behind and directly beside a commercial truck. If you spend too much time in these areas, the trucker may lose track of your vehicle.
- Be careful when changing lanes: It’s okay to pass a truck, but take caution when changing lanes in front of one. You should leave plenty of space, as cutting it too close can result in a rear-end collision.
- Never pass in the right lane: There are times when you want to pass a truck, but find that you can’t get into the left lane to do so. It’s tempting to use the right lane, but this increases the risk of an accident.
- Don’t drive between two commercial trucks: It’s not always possible to avoid, but if you find yourself in this situation, make a smart decision so you can move to a safer spot as quickly as possible.
- Watch when merging: Merging onto the highway is never easy, especially when there are commercial trucks flying toward you. Improper merging makes it more difficult to seamlessly move into traffic.
As you follow these safety tips, you should also remember the common reasons why truckers cause accidents:
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Driving under the influence
- Inadequate training
- Improper loading
- Unrealistic schedules
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
Despite your best efforts, you could still suffer an injury in a truck accident. If this happens, your health is top priority.
As you administer first aid to any injuries, call 911 to request help. An ambulance can transport you to a local hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment. As you begin to recover, file a claim with your insurance company and make note of anything you can do to seek compensation from the trucker and/or trucking company.
Visit our website and read through our blog for more information on all types of motor vehicle accidents.