The trucking industry is big and growing, but it’s also a dangerous one. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 18 million commercial vehicle accidents in 2018 alone—and of those accidents, more than 1 million involved trucks. Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining safe driving conditions for their drivers as well as ensuring that their vehicles are maintained properly by mechanics. In the US, one very recent case of a truck accident happened in Denver, killing almost 20 people. As this is a major city, it is connected to the national highway, which means it gets its fair share of trucks. Insurance companies in Denver are not making the claim process any easier for the victims. So, understanding the need for Denver truck accident lawyers is quite crucial because only they can help the victim. However, individual drivers can help reduce these accidents by following some simple tips when they’re behind the wheel:
Obeying speed limits, especially the ones for trucks
Trucks are required to obey the same speed limits as passenger cars, but they’re also heavier, so their stopping distance is higher. As a result, trucks have a high center of gravity and are thus more likely to jackknife or rollover when hit from behind. If a truck jackknife, the vehicle will flip over onto its side; this can cause injuries not only for passengers but also pedestrians on the road!
Stop driving distracted
Distracted driving is a serious matter. If you’re someone who has to drive, you should be aware that there are many ways in which distracted driving can occur while on the road, and they are all very dangerous. While some people may think that it is okay to multitask while behind the wheel, this is not true at all and can cause accidents when drivers try to text or talk on their phones while driving down the highway.
Don’t tailgate
Tailgating is dangerous, and it can lead to accidents. Tailgating is a common cause of truck crashes, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). In addition, a 2015 study by the University of California San Diego found that drivers who tailgate are more likely to be involved in an accident than those who don’t tailgate. According to FMCSA statistics, vehicle collisions involving trucks—and their occupants—tend to be more severe than other types of motor vehicle accidents: they’re usually longer and involve multiple vehicles as well as pedestrians and bicyclists; they often result in serious injuries or deaths.
Avoid changing lanes frequently
The most important thing you can do to prevent an accident is not to change lanes.
- Avoid changing lanes if you don’t have to. Changing lanes frequently may cause a driver behind you to honk or flash their light, which could be interpreted as an attempt by the driver in front of you to get out of the way or signal that they want your attention. This could lead them to think that there’s something wrong with their lane change and cause them to slow down and possibly even stop completely!
Don’t drive under the influence or with a suspended or revoked license
Driving under the influence or with a suspended or revoked license is illegal. However, if you’re caught doing either, your insurance rates will likely go up significantly. This is because many other companies are willing to insure drivers who are less likely to get into accidents due to their past history of driving safely and legally.
Conclusion
Truck drivers, trucking companies, and all of us who drive should work together to ensure these kinds of accidents don’t happen. It’s not just about making sure you’re following the law; it’s also about helping others avoid them in the first place.
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