When driving around trucks, you should always be able to see the driver’s face in the mirror. If you can’t, you are in the truck’s blind spot and must maintain a wide berth and slow down or speed up to remain visible.
Trucks are vital for moving goods and supplies in our national economy. However, their large size and weight make them a significant hazard to other vehicles. Commercial truck drivers are required to have a special license to operate large haulers – but that doesn’t mean truck accidents don’t happen. Colorado motorists need to know how to drive around trucks safely to reduce their risk of being injured in a collision.
What Are Some Tips When Driving Behind a Truck in Colorado?
Despite being a minority on the road, trucks and semi-trailers are involved in over half of all fatal automobile accidents in Colorado, according to crash data from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The presence of a trailer means that truck drivers cannot see directly behind their vehicle like other automobiles can, so you must take precautions when following a truck. Keep these tips in mind when driving behind a commercial vehicle:
- Always maintain a safe following distance behind the tractor-trailer. You should keep at least four seconds of distance between you and the trailer bumper. Choose a landmark ahead of the truck, then start counting once it passes the landmark. You should not reach the count of four before you pass the landmark. Any closer, and you will be in the driver’s blind spot and at risk of crashing if the truck rapidly stops.
- Leave extra room between you and the truck at red lights. The trailer might slowly roll back before moving forward when the light turns green.
- If you cannot see the driver’s face in the mirror, you are following too closely and should put more distance between yourself and the back of the truck.
If you can help it, you should not stay behind larger trucks for extended periods. The rear of large trucks is higher than cars, leaving them in danger of becoming wedged under the back of the trailer if they collide – a phenomenon known as underriding. The car’s windshield bears the full brunt of underride accidents instead of the crumple zones, making these crashes exceptionally dangerous for drivers.
What Are Good Tips for Driving Near a Truck?
When driving near a truck, the primary consideration is avoiding the no-zones on all four sides where the driver has blind spots. The truck’s blind spots on the left and right start just behind the front part of the cabin. The blind spot on the truck’s right side is two lanes wide. The other two blind spots are directly in front and behind the truck.
Other tips for driving near a truck include:
- Activate your turn signal earlier than you normally would when moving in front of a truck. Earlier signaling gives the driver more time to react to your car’s movement.
- Give trucks an extra wide berth for making turns, especially when turning right. Commercial trucks often swing wider than expected to make turns.
- Never drive between a truck and the curb on the right side. Stop well behind intersection lines to give them more room to turn.
- Trucks often have speed limiters and other devices to regulate their maneuvering, so be patient and do not drive aggressively.
What Is the Proper Method for Passing a Truck?
If you need to pass a large truck on the road, being aware and vigilant is how you avoid a collision. First, make sure the truck isn’t turning or in reverse. When the truck is in motion, its blind spots also shift and the driver might lose sight of you.
Generally, you should try to pass tractor-trailers on the left side. Drivers have larger blind spots on the right side because they are on the left of the cabin, making passing on the left typically safer. Keep a consistent speed when passing or else the truck driver might have trouble predicting your irregular movement.
Once you pass, don’t cross back into the right lane until you can see the entire front cabin of the truck in your rearview mirror.
What Should I Do If I Am Involved in a Colorado Truck Accident?
If you are in a truck crash in Colorado, the first thing you should do is get emergency medical treatment if you need it. Then, if you’re able, ask for the driver’s information and document as much of the accident scene as possible. Documentation includes photos of your vehicle and injuries, as well as notes about the scene, such as any bad weather.
Next, have yourself checked out by a physician. It can be easy to overlook injuries after a trucking accident due to shock and injuries, especially if an EMT has checked you out and you showed no signs of harm at the time. A medical professional can assess your condition and may detect injuries that were asymptomatic at first. You will need hard copies of your medical documentation when filing an insurance claim later.
You should also speak to a truck accident attorney about your options for compensation. An attorney can help you file a claim with the trucking company’s insurance provider and any other responsible parties, such as truck manufacturers or other drivers.
Why Choose The Wilhite Law Firm for Your Colorado Truck Accident Case?
The Wilhite Law Firm has been serving Colorado injury victims since 1977 and is proud to have grown into a firm with dozens of lawyers representing hundreds of clients. We have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for auto accident victims, including a $1.3 million settlement for a UPS truck accident.
Our team has built a reputation as a firm that will go to great lengths to see justice done. We have the knowledge, resources, and determination to hold responsible parties accountable and fight for your financial compensation. Our many satisfied customer testimonials speak for themselves, like this one:
“What happens to you in an accident is not fun. What you need is someone to be there for you. Rob makes sure that you are always happy from the beginning to the end… You won’t regret your decision when you have such a life changing event. Don’t mess up and hire someone that doesn’t care. Hire Wilhite and there won’t be a regret.” – Gaby Mims
Contact a Colorado Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents can cause significant injuries and leave you with thousands in outstanding medical bills. If you have been injured because of a truck driver’s negligence, you need a Colorado truck accident lawyer on your side to hold responsible parties accountable.
If you would like to speak to a personal injury attorney about your truck accident case, contact The Wilhite Law Firm online or call today for a free consultation.
