Regardless of where you’re driving in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto, or anywhere in Manatee County you are likely to see a commercial truck here and there. That’s because these vehicles and their drivers are essential. They help our local economy thrive. However, because there are so many of these vehicles roaming the streets, accidents happen. Of course, it isn’t just this community, though.
Crashes between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles occur all over the United States daily. But please, don’t simply take our word for it. Instead, review the following stats and see for yourself. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 4,998 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes. People don’t only die in such events, though. Victims also sustain injuries in accidents.
In fact, the FMCSA says large trucks and bus injury crashes totaled 108,000 in 2020. Meanwhile, sometimes, commercial truck accidents only cause property damage. Obviously, none of these outcomes sound good. Therefore, Palmetto motorists should do what they can to avoid incidents with tractor-trailers. The following tips can help with that.
Pass Carefully And With Caution
Big rigs are long and have plenty of blind spots. That’s why passenger vehicle operators must pass them carefully and with caution. There’s a good chance you’ve noticed the sign on the back of a trailer before stating not to pass on the right side. However, on occasion, like when a trucker won’t move out of the left lane, a person may have no choice but to go that way.
It really doesn’t matter what side you attempt to pass on, though. You should always make it a point to do so cautiously. Taking your time and ensuring the coast is clear could be just what the doctor ordered to keep truck crashes at bay.
Don’t Enter/Exit Highways Hastily
Many Palmetto drivers seem to regularly be in a hurry. They operate their vehicles aggressively by swerving in and out of traffic. Plus, they enter and exit highways hastily. Even if commercial trucks are right next to some motorists, they simply continue merging and expect the vehicle to stop or yield. But did you know that isn’t always what happens?
It’s true. Sometimes, truckers continue going and strike the cars. Perhaps they cannot see them. Then again, maybe the person just didn’t give them enough room to apply the brakes. Don’t let this fate be in store for you. Instead, enter and exit highways cautiously. That might just save you a lot of grief in the long run.
Avoid Slamming On The Brakes
If you’re riding in front of an eighteen-wheeler, you might not care what’s happening behind you. However, you probably should. Tractor trailers weigh between 12,000 to 80,000 pounds, on average. With all that weight, these vehicles can’t stop on a dime. Rather, they need room to slow down and stop gradually. So, if you lock up your brakes in front of a commercial truck, it could wind up slamming into your car’s rear.
Of course, you won’t always be able to give trucks the distance required because when the traffic in front of you stops, you have to stop. Still, if you can avoid slamming on the brakes in front of a truck, do so. Then, with any luck, you won’t get injured or killed in a crash.
Have you been injured in a Bradenton truck accident because of negligence? If that’s the case, you may have the grounds to seek compensation for your damages. Contact us to schedule a meeting with an attorney and discuss your options today.
