Driving around other vehicles on the roads in Kentucky can be unnerving at times. Other drivers make erratic decisions, may be driving too fast or are distracted by their phones. However, this is especially true when driving around large trucks. Due to the size of the vehicle, truck drivers can have larger blind spots than most other vehicles on the roads. It is also much more difficult for truck drivers to stop quickly, stop changing lanes or stop a turn once they are into it.
Truck drivers need to take extra precautions when driving trucks due to these issues in order to keep the other drivers on the road safe. However, there are also certain precautions drivers can take to potentially avoid truck accidents.
Actions to take and not take around trucks
One tip is to stay out of the truck drivers’ blind spots. One way to know you are in a blind spot is to look at the trucks’ rearview mirrors. If you cannot see the truck drivers, they most likely cannot see you. Speed up or slow down to stay out of those blind spots.
When passing a truck, always do so on the left where the truck driver would expect you to pass. Also, when merging back into the trucks lane after passing it, make sure you can see the truck driver in your review mirror before going back in front of them. Trucks need extra space and it is especially dangerous to cut them off.
It is also dangerous to drive too closely behind trucks. It is almost impossible to see what is going on in front of the truck and if the truck driver needs to stop suddenly, you could end up sliding under the truck.
Finally, it is important to know that truck drivers may need to take wide right turns. When you see the right turn signal on know that they may need to move left before making the turn. Give trucks plenty of room in these situations.
Using these driving tips will certainly help drivers in Kentucky. However, they will not prevent every truck accident from occurring. These accidents can be very devastating and people may want to consult with an experienced attorney if they are in one.
