Summer is full of road trips and vacations! You’re likely spending much more time on the highway than other months of the year. Our law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks knows driving is one of the most common ways to travel, but there are some dangers on the highway you should keep your eye out for. As a personal injury attorney in Lebanon, MO, we see quite a few damages due to a big rig on the interstate. Check out a few of the things you should be aware of while traveling the highways this summer, especially when navigating near tractor-trailers.
Give them Plenty of Room
Semi-trucks are some of the largest vehicles on the road. Make sure you give them plenty of space as you navigate around them. If you are behind a semi, it can be very difficult to see anything that is coming up ahead on the roadway. Allow plenty of extra room and reaction time by keeping your distance behind the truck.
Think About Stopping Distance
Tractor-trailers cannot come to a sudden stop very quickly. As you’re driving around and passing a semi, try to allow extra room in front of the truck before you pull into their lane. If you pull over in their lane and then need to come to a sudden stop, it can be very difficult for the truck driver to stop with little to no notice, which is a common cause of auto accidents involving semi-trucks.
Stay Alert
Driving a long distance can be tiring and you may start to space out as you’re driving an uneventful stretch of highway. Make sure you are wide awake when operating a vehicle to ensure the safety of you and others on the road. If you are feeling drowsy, consider pulling over or caffeinating to get back to a safe and alert state.
Be Aware of Surroundings
A busy highway is usually packed with vehicles. Each vehicle can make a sudden change in a split second. It’s important that you’re paying attention to other vehicles on the road and how the car your driving is flowing with others. Check each of your mirrors often to keep track of where others are on the roadway.
Remove any Distractions
Distracted driving is very dangerous. Taking your eyes off the roadway ahead, even for a moment, can lead to a dangerous situation. Texting, eating, changing the radio station, and refereeing the kids in the back seat are all common distractions. Try to be diligent and avoid distractions as you’re traveling the busy highways.
Drive Defensively
As you’re paying attention to over vehicles on the highway, try to anticipate their next moves. This can help cut back on your reaction time if you’re already thinking of your reaction to a sudden or anticipated move another vehicle makes on the roadway. Having this defensive driving technique down can better prepare you for future actions that may take place on the highway.
Avoid Driving in Blind Spots
Tractor-trailers have large blind spots. Directly in front, directly behind, and to the sides of a big rig the most common blind spots. If you are driving anywhere near these locations, the tractor-trailer driver likely cannot see your vehicle. If you are passing a semi, try to do so quickly so you are not driving in a dangerous blind spot.
Wear Your Seatbelt
Ensuring you and all of your passengers are properly buckled in is vital for safety of everyone in the vehicle. A seat belt can help protect anyone in the vehicle if an accident does occur. Remember, one person being unbuckled can be detrimental to everyone in the vehicle.
Now that you know some of the ways you can better prepare yourself for driving around semi-trucks, you’re ready to plan your next road trip. If you are unfortunately injured due to a tractor-trailer accident near Lebanon, Missouri, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help you know your options. Contact Deputy & Mizell Law Firm today to discuss your truck accident.
Contact Deputy & Mizell, LLC to schedule your private (FREE) consultation today.
Representing Clients Across the Lake of the Ozarks Region
Lebanon: 417-532-2191
Camdenton: 573-346-9990
