3 Ways to Avoid a Collision With an 18 Wheeler
Travelling on the interstate is a right of passage these days. It is one of the many conveniences that we are afforded in the United States. Many take it for granted. At one point in our history, the interstate was meant only for the truckers.
The president, at the time, opened the interstate in order to further the progress of commerce. It made it easier to get products from one place to another in a quicker manner. Unfortunately, when the interstate was open to the public, it also opened and raised the possibility of accidents between cars and 18 wheelers. Below are some ways you can avoid that tragedy.
photo/ sandid via pixabay
Line of Sight
As you drive down the highway, you are bound to run into the occasional truck driver making their way to the next rest stop or a waiting business. While you are in transit, there are some things you should keep in mind when driving the same road. The first thing you need to consider is that there are extended blind sites on an 18 wheeler.
When you are traveling next to a truck driver, make sure to ride on the left side of the truck when you can. This makes it easier for the driver to see you in his/her mirrors. If you have to pass, also make sure to do this on the left side of the truck.
As a side note, if you decide to pull over in front of the truck after you pass, give the driver plenty of room to adjust. An 18 wheeler, with cargo and all, can weigh over 15,000lbs. That kind of weight takes longer to stop and may result in a wreck if the driver is not allowed enough time to stop.
Tailgating
Another danger zone around a semi-truck is located in the rear of the vehicle. On the interstate, there is always a reason to be in a hurry. That was what it was made for. However, in the process, we can tend to forget the things that will keep us safe. The second thing you want to make sure not to do is to ride too closely to the tail of an 18 wheeler.
There are two reasons for this. First, it is difficult for a passenger vehicle to see around the length of a semi-truck if you are too close. Your limited vision puts you in a bad position for seeing the traffic up ahead of the truck.
Second, that lack of vision means you may not be able to see a situation that calls for the semi-truck to stop suddenly. This gives you no time to stop and you could end up under the truck. Many drivers who have this type of accident incur serious life threatening-injuries.
Right of Way
In the throws of joyful driving, some of us have the tendency to view other drivers as mere obstacles. They are nothing more than an object to get around before we reach our destination. There are rules of the road you should be aware of.
When traveling in the presence of 18 wheelers, make sure to follow the legal right of way laws. With that in mind, there are some common sense rules you should follow, as well. For example, you are entering the interstate and see that a truck has no way to switch lanes and accommodate you.
Make sure to either speed up enough to give the truck driver room to adjust or slow down and let the truck pass. Never, make a truck driver compete with you for the road. You will lose and it could cost you and others serious injury or death.
Driving with 18 wheelers is a privilege. Make sure that it is one you and others can enjoy for years to come by following these tips.
Author: Anna Johansson
