Advantages And Disadvantages Of Semi Drivers

In 60 percent of the crashes involving semis and another four-wheeled vehicle, the other driver was at fault according to information provided by the American Trucking Association. If you are often the other driver, you likely want to understand what you can do to avoid a collision with a semi.

Avoid cutting off a semi driver. When passing a semi-truck, make sure you are far enough ahead of the truck that you can at least see the semi’s headlights before you reenter the same lane as the semi-truck.
When possible, do not drive in a semi driver’s blind spots. This includes both sides as well as in front and behind the vehicle. Give the driver enough room on all sides to make yourself visible.
When passing a semi, do so as quickly and safely
as possible, lingering in the driver’s blind spot for as short of a time as possible. At times, this may mean slowing down to linger behind the truck while you wait for a safe opportunity to pass.
Indiana state law requires you to stay at least 300 feet behind a semi. On busy or congested roads, that could be difficult, but it amounts to following from about three semi-truck lengths behind the vehicle.
Avoid sudden stops or quickly slowing down when a semi is following closely behind you. If you have properly passed the truck and have given the driver adequate space, this should not be a huge problem.
On a multi-lane road, avoid driving between two semis. Putting yourself between two semi-trucks puts you at twice the risk of a being in the driver’s blind spot.
If you often drive near semis, particularly if your vehicle is small or otherwise difficult to see, you may want to get in the habit of driving with your lights on, even when driving on a clear day.
Unfortunately, accidents do happen, even if you are working to be a safe driver. If you were injured in an accident involving a semi-truck, contact us. One of our Indianapolis truck accident lawyers will provide you with a free consultation.