5 Safety Tips to Follow When Sharing the Road with Large Commercial Trucks

Commercial Trucks

The Bronx is a diverse borough located in New York City, known for its cultural heritage. It has some of the most bustling neighborhoods and iconic landmarks, such as the Bronx Zoo and Yankee Stadium.

If you or someone else has been involved in a truck accident in the Bronx, it’s vital to seek the help of a qualified truck accident lawyer. With its bustling traffic, the Bronx can be dangerous for such accidents, particularly with its many narrow and congested streets.

An experienced truck accident lawyer in the Bronx will thoroughly understand local laws and regulations and the specific challenges posed by the area’s geography.

If you are sharing a highway or any road with a large fleet of big commercial trucks, here are some safety tips to follow to avoid accidents –

Tip #1: Maintain a Safe Following Distance

One of the most important safety tips when sharing the road with large commercial trucks is maintaining a safe following distance. Large commercial trucks require much more time and distance to slow down and stop than passenger vehicles, so keeping a safe following distance is essential.

As a general rule, keeping at least one-car length for every ten miles per hour of speed is recommended. This will give you enough time and space to react if the truck in front of you stops suddenly.

Tip #2: Be Aware of Blind Spots

Another critical safety tip is to be aware of the large commercial truck’s blind spots. Large trucks have blind spots in the front, back, and sides of the vehicle, and it’s essential to avoid driving in these areas.

If you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, it’s likely that the driver cannot see you either. When driving near a truck, always be aware of its blind spots and position your vehicle where the truck driver can see you.

Tip #3: Use Turn Signals

Using turn signals is essential to communicating with other drivers, especially when driving near large commercial trucks. When you use your turn signals, you give truck drivers an idea of your intended path and help to avoid any potential collisions.

It’s essential to use your turn signals in a timely and accurate manner to ensure that truck drivers have enough time to react and adjust their driving accordingly.

Tip #4: Avoid Sudden Braking

Sudden braking is dangerous, mainly when driving near large commercial trucks. Large trucks require much more time and distance to slow down, and sudden braking can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle and result in an accident.

Tip #5: Always Wear Your Seatbelt

Finally, it’s essential to always wear your seatbelt when driving. Seatbelts are your first line of defense in the event of an accident, and they can significantly reduce your risk of serious injury.

There were 12,818 accidents in the Bronx in 2021, which accounted for around 19.6% of total injury-causing collisions. If folks have faced such mishaps, they must not delay contacting a reputable legal firm. An authentic legal firm has several experienced attorneys who can help the victims receive their desired compensation.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a truck accident lawyer in the Bronx is more than essential because of the area’s heavy traffic and increasing collision rate. It should be one of the first things you should do after dealing with a truck accident.