10 Essential Safe Driving Tips When Sharing the Road with Large Trucks

Do you find yourself getting a little nervous behind the wheel when passing a semi-truck or sharing the road with an 18-wheeler truck? These 17-ton metal behemoths have a ton of blind spots where the driver cannot see other cars and can cause serious damage in the event of a collision. It can feel intimidating to share the road with semi-trucks knowing just how dangerous they can be.

However, did you know that around 75% of accidents involving a commercial vehicle like a semi-truck are actually caused by drivers in residential or passenger vehicles? This means that more semi-truck accidents are caused by other drivers rather than the semi-drivers themselves. This is not meant as a personal attack on drivers or said in a judgmental manner. In fact, many of these accidents are caused because drivers are not taught how to properly and safely drive around 18-wheeler trucks.

Road safety is the responsibility of every driver on the road. Everyone getting behind a steering wheel has a responsibility to practice safe driving to make sure that everyone gets home safely at the end of the day. In this discussion, we will go over some truck collision statistics for the state of Arizona, provide basic semi-truck safety tips, and provide valuable information in the event you find yourself in an accident involving a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle.

Arizona Truck Collision Statistics

• In 2019, Arizona recorded 3,053 car accidents involving a commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck.
• In 2019, there were around 9,285 accidents involving large trucks.
• Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of car accidents involving commercial trucks.

By The Numbers: Accounting For Semi-Truck Traffic

While many drivers wish that semi-trucks would magically disappear from the road as new methods of transporting goods are in development, the reality is that semi-trucks on the highway are here to stay. The trucking industry makes up around 72% of freight or material transportation in the United States. Almost every business in the country relies on trucks to transport their raw materials and market goods from place to place, and this stimulates our economy and keeps it running the way that it currently is.

Not only do they play a crucial role in our economy, but the amount of semi-truck traffic that we will come across on the road is only going to increase. As online shopping continues to grow in popularity, these ordered goods need to get to their destinations somehow. The demand for semi-trucks and semi-truck drivers is only going to increase as things like shopping become more and more digitized.

Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Truck drivers must go through rigorous training and safe driving courses before they can get on the road and start piloting these metal mechs. However, sharing the road with semi-trucks comes with an inherent risk simply due to the monstrous size of the vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), semi-truck accidents make up around 10% of all fatal vehicular accidents. An estimated 5,000 people die each year in vehicle accidents involving a semi-truck or commercial truck. These numbers are not here to try and scare you off of the road. Being aware of these risks drives home the importance of knowing how to drive safely around these semi-trucks.

Commercial vehicle accidents

10 Safe Driving Tips When Sharing The Road With Large Trucks

1. Drive Defensively: Driving defensively does not mean the same things as driving aggressively. When we say to drive defensively, we mean to remain alert and aware of your surroundings, especially if you are sharing the road with a semi-truck. Keep an eye on where the truck is, the flow of traffic, and the driving patterns of everyone around you. This can help you anticipate any potential issues and give you enough time to get out of there safely in the event something starts to go wrong.
2. Keep A Safe Distance And Avoid Tailing Too Closely: When driving behind a truck, do not drive too close as this puts you at a greater risk of injury in the event the semi has to come to a sudden stop. Remember, these machines are around 17 tons of metal, and that is going to hurt if you collide with it going 50 miles per hour. Keep your distance from semi-trucks to give yourself more space to get out of the way in the event there is a sudden stop.
3. Avoid Blind Spots: As mentioned briefly before, semi-trucks have a ton of blind spots where they cannot see if there is another car there or not. These blind spots include the right side of the truck, directly in front of the truck’s cabin, directly behind the trailer, and certain spots on the left side of the truck. Stay out of these areas as much as you can while driving near a semi.
4. Pass Trucks Safely: Passenger vehicles generally drive faster than semi-trucks, so it is not uncommon for you to pass one while on the interstate. However, practice safe passing especially when it comes to semi-trucks. When passing a large truck, you should try to stay closer to the shoulder rather than the semi, and be sure to safely speed up to get around them quickly. Do not linger next to them, as you will potentially be in one of their many blind spots.
5. Don’t Cut In Close: Once you have gotten ahead of a semi while passing, do not cut immediately in front of them without leaving adequate space. It takes a semi-truck a significant distance to stop, especially if it is an abrupt stop. Leave enough space between you and the semi so that they have enough time to brake without rear-ending you in the event of a sudden slow down or stop.
6. Stay Out Of The Way On Steep Slopes: If you are sharing the road with a semi-truck and the road is steep, stay out of the semi-truck’s way. Whether it be an incline or a decline, stay as far away as you can in the event the semi-truck experiences brake failure.
7. Always Use Your Blinker: This goes for safe driving as a whole, not just for around semi-trucks, but ALWAYS use your blinker when you are changing lanes or making a turn. This gives semi-trucks and other drivers ample warning of your intentions so they can safely make sure that they are out of your way.
8. Be Mindful Of Wide Turns: When practicing safe driving near trucks, be mindful of the fact that they take very wide turns due to the size of the trailer. Give semi-trucks as much space as you can to safely make these turns without hitting you.
9. Be Patient And Predictable: Take a breath and be patient. Nothing is urgent enough to drive recklessly and put your life at risk. Be patient and predictable while you drive so you can make it home safely.
10. Stay Buckled Up And Avoid Distractions: To drive safely near big rigs, always stay buckled up and avoid distractions while behind the wheel. This can include using your phone, reading advertisements, and even daydreaming while driving.

The Role Of A Truck Accident Lawyer

If you find yourself in a car accident involving a large truck, why should you call a truck accident attorney in Phoenix, Arizona? Navigating the legal system on your own can be frustrating and confusing, and these trucking companies are not going to back down without a fight. A personal injury lawyer can give you the guidance you need to navigate the system while using their expertise to build a strong case to stand up against these greedy organizations. Truck accident lawyers will stand by you every step of the way.

Who Can Be Held Liable For a Trucking Accident in Arizona?

• The Truck Driver
• The Truck Driver’s Employer
• Any Third-Party Manufacturers and Repair Shops
• The Freight Company and Cargo Owners
• The Other Injured Driver

Contact Shapiro Law Team and Secure Maximum Compensation

Looking for legal help after a truck accident? Shapiro Law Team is your local personal injury law firm in Phoenix, Arizona. With years of experience under our belt, our team is ready to stand by you in a court of law and get you the compensation that you deserve. You are more than just another case for us, and we will make sure that we create a personalized plan of attack for your specific case. And the best part? You do not pay us a dime for our services unless we win your case.

Contact Shapiro Law Team today for a free consultation of your case, or give us a call at (480) 300-5405. We look forward to working with you and getting you the compensation that you deserve.