Life-Saving Safety Tips to Prevent Truck Accidents
December 9, 2019
If it were not for the trucking industry, various goods and materials would not be delivered to customers across the country. However, because truck drivers are often working under very tight deadlines, they tend to work long hours, sometimes with lack of appropriate sleep. This can have dangerous consequences, particularly when you consider the fact that the accident risk from drowsy driving is comparable to drunk driving. When a large truck is involved in an accident, property damage and injuries tend to be quite severe. There are important safety tips that all truck drivers should keep in mind that can help prevent devastating accidents.
Driving a massive, 80,000-pound truck requires the driver to keep their attention focused on the road. Taking their attention off the road for a few seconds can cause severe accidents involving significant property damage and loss of life. The first step to preventing a truck accident is understanding the common causes, which include:
- Distracted Driving
- Drowsy Driving
- Mechanical Failure
- Speeding
- Inclement Weather
Drive Safe, Save Lives
When truck drivers have a thorough understanding of what causes truck accidents, they can avoid them by making safety a top priority, and keeping the following safety tips in mind:
- Get plenty of rest. It is crucial for truck drivers to get enough sleep between shifts. If a truck driver starts to feel drowsy, they should pull over, if necessary, to a safe, well-lit spot and take a nap. The less sleep a truck driver has, the more difficult it is to stay awake, particularly when driving at night on the highway.
- Obey the speed limit. Speeding while driving a large commercial truck is extremely dangerous. Meeting a tight deadline is not worth risking a serious accident.
- Check the weather. Inclement weather, such as snow and freezing rain, can make road conditions very dangerous. Truck drivers should reduce their speed and use extra caution when changing lanes or making turns.
- Keep trucks well-maintained. Before each trip, make sure that the truck has been inspected, and that the brakes and tires are in good working order.
- Avoid distractions. Do not use a cell phone to talk, text, or check social media while driving. Also avoid eating, changing the music channel, or any other form of distraction while driving.
- Check blind spots. When changing lanes, use the turn signal to alert other drivers that you are switching lanes. Always check the mirrors to make sure there are no vehicles in the truck’s blind spots.
- Avoid problem drivers. Many truck accidents are caused by drivers of passenger vehicles, so pay attention to other drivers who appear to be drifting in and out of lanes. Put distance between the truck and the other motorist.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for Truck Accident Victims
If you were seriously injured in a truck accident, do not hesitate to contact the experienced Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. Many of these accidents are preventable if drivers make safety a priority. Our dedicated team will determine who is responsible for causing the accident and ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, we represent clients throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
