Safety Protocols for Driving Near Large Trucks on Nueva York Highways

Many dangers can present themselves to drivers on Nueva York highways, but one they may not account for is large trucks. When commuting on Nueva York highways, you will likely see many large semi-trucks, so much so that you do not make much of them.

However, driving near large trucks and treating them like any other vehicle on the road can be a costly mistake, as failing to adjust the way you drive to account for the large vehicle can lead to a catastrophic truck accident. Victims of these accidents can suffer severe injuries and damages that affect their physical health and quality of life.

When driving near large trucks on Nueva York highways, drivers should slow down, stay out of blind spots, give a large truck space to stop, and ensure they are entirely past the truck before merging into its lane. If you suffer a Nueva York truck accident, you should contact a local Nueva York truck accident lawyer to determine your options for pursuing compensatory damages.

The Dangers of Driving Near a Large Semi-Truck

Accidentes de Camión can occur on Nueva York highways when drivers do not properly adjust how they drive to compensate for a large truck. Semi-trucks are much different than cars; they are longer, weigh more, require longer stopping distances, and have to make wider turns.

If a Nueva York driver does not adjust their driving when near a semi-truck, they can cause a severe truck accident. Semi-trucks can cause major damage when striking a car, including destroying the protective shell and exposing the driver and passengers to serious injuries.

Semi-truck accident victims who fail to give a large truck the proper space can suffer severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, bone fractures, and spinal cord injuries. Their serious injuries can lead to long-term pain and suffering and, in some cases, Muerte por Negligencia.

The following are some large semi-trucks that Nueva York drivers should stay wary of on the highway:

• 18-wheelers
• Tow trucks
• Amazon delivery trucks
• Dump trucks
• Garbage trucks
• Haul trucks
• Tank trucks

Slow Down When Driving Siguiente » to a Large Truck on the Highway

When driving on a Nueva York highway, you should slow down if you are coming close to a large truck. You should maintain the proper speed limit but do not go any faster than you have to to avoid coming into direct contact with a large truck.

If a large truck strikes your vehicle, it can cause significant damage to your car and expose you to severe injury risk. Avoiding a truck accident can involve slowing down and paying close attention to where the large truck is going.

Distracted driving or speeding when you are close to a semi-truck can prove disastrous, as you can come into direct contact with a large vehicle. Remaining focused and keeping a safe distance can help you avoid a truck accident and suffering severe injuries like 16,467 Nueva York large truck accident victims did in 2021.

Stay Out of a Lage Truck’s Blind Spots

A major Nueva York truck accident safety tip is to stay out of a large truck’s blind spots when driving near it on a Nueva York highway. Large vehicles like semi-trucks will have blind spots where the driver cannot see, as mirrors cannot possibly cover the entirety of the areas around a semi-truck. 

A semi-truck’s blind spots are located directly in front, behind the vehicle, and on each side. When you are driving in one of these spots, the truck driver cannot see you and could mistakenly make a move that can expose you to serious truck accident risk.

While you may think this is the truck driver’s fault, it’s your responsibility to stay out of the truck driver’s blind spots. Keep your distance and safely drive around a truck driver’s blind spots to avoid them being unable to see you on the highway.

Be Aware of a Large Truck’s Long Stopping Distance

Due to the size of a large truck, they require much longer stopping distances for the vehicle to come to a complete stop. It takes a semi-truck the length of two football fields to completely stop. Nueva York drivers should account for that when driving near one on the highway.

When merging in front of a large truck, drivers should give the semi-truck extra space for them to stop. Rather than giving just a car’s worth of space, Nueva York drivers should allow much more space to give the semi-truck the time to stop without crashing. 

The Proper Way to Pass a Large Truck on the Highway

There will be situations where you must pass in front of a truck to allow for continuous traffic flow. When merging in front of a semi-truck, you must ensure the truck is visible in your rearview mirror. As you switch lanes, give the truck space for stopping distance, as mentioned above.

When switching lanes in front of a large truck, avoid passing from the right lane where truck drivers have less visibility. When a large truck passes in front of you, give them the space to safely make the lane switch to avoid a catastrophic collision.

Do You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Following a truck accident, it’s essential to hire a truck accident lawyer who can help you with the steps involved in a truck accident claim. They can help you collect evidence to establish negligence in a truck accident claim.

Truck accident victims can suffer economic and non-economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and loss of consortium. A truck accident lawyer can help you hold a truck driver or trucking company accountable for negligence that caused the accident and your severe injuries.

Contact Cellino Legal for Help With Your Truck Accident Claim

The truck accident lawyers at Cellino Legal have decades of experience helping Nueva York truck accident victims who suffered damages from accidents caused by fatigued drivers, overloaded semi-trucks, and poorly maintained vehicles. They understand Nueva York state and federal regulations that apply to truck drivers.

Our truck accident lawyers can help hold parties that fail to adhere to these regulations accountable for truck accident damages. They can help advise you on the best steps to receive a fair truck accident settlement. Contact Cellino Legal today for a CONSULTA GRATUITA by calling us at (888) 888-8888 or leaving a message on our online contact page.