Driver Safety

The Law Offices of David D. Diamond

When commercial truckers are on the road, they must be extra cautious as it a known fact that large trucks take much more time to reach a complete stop and can easily rollover.  Driver safety is extremely important and should never be taken lightly by the drivers of semis, 18 wheelers, tractor trailers, big rigs or commercial trucks.  At the Law Offices of David D. Diamond, we know that when truck drivers and trucking companies practice driver safety, they reduce their chances of causing a major trucking accident.  Below are some driver safety tips we have compiled for truck drivers and drivers of motor vehicles:

• Know that it takes longer for trucks to make a complete stop.  Large trucks, like 18 wheelers, take 40% longer to reach a complete stop compared to other types of motor vehicles.  This means that when truck drivers are on the road, they must pay close attention to what is going on ahead of them.  If they need to make a stop, they must allow extra time or else they may crash into nearby traffic.  Drivers of other motor vehicles should also give trucks the space they need by avoiding tailgating and by not turning quickly in front of trucks.
• One of the leading causes of trucking accidents is driver fatigue.  All too often, truck drivers are on the road for continuous periods of time, which is a direct violation of trucking regulations.  Instead of driving for hours upon hours, truck drivers should avoid fatigue by taking necessary breaks and adhering to trucking regulations.
• If roadways are wet or it is raining, truck drivers will need at least 4 to 6 seconds of space between other vehicles.  Slick roads make it more difficult for trucks to reach a complete stop, which is why the extra time is crucial for truck drivers.  Operators of other motor vehicles should also avoid driving too close to trucks while roads are slippery.
• Not only does it take longer for a truck to make a complete stop, it also takes longer for trucks to make complete turns.  Additionally, trucks need to occupy a much larger space while turning and may even cut into other traffic lanes.  For this reason, truck drivers must be cautious while making turns as they can easily cause an accident by hitting other vehicles. 

If you have been injured during a truck accident and you have reason to believe negligence was involved, contact the Law Offices of David D. Diamond today to set up an initial consultation!