9 Driving Tips to Help You Avoid a Deadly Florida Truck Crash

Large trucks are an important part of our economy, but they are also dangerous and cause thousands of deaths each year. You probably don’t give a whole lot of thought to your safety as you drive alongside semi trucks and other commercial vehicles, but you should be aware that there are precautions you need to be taking.

Below is a list of safety tips to help you avoid a deadly Florida truck crash. This list was compiled by Road Safe America.

• When you are about to approach a large truck, be extra alert. Trucks operate differently than cars and it takes these massive vehicles longer to stop.
• There are many blind spots, so your car could be virtually invisible to the trucker. A general rule of thumb – if you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, then you are in a blind spot and the trucker can’t see you. A large majority of truck crashes have to do with these blind spots.
• Never pass a truck on the left while the trucker is making a right hand turn. Trucks swing wide to the left.
• Avoid cutting in front of a large truck. These vehicles need more room to stop in time to prevent a collision.
• When you are passing a truck, use the proper, consistent speed. Wait until you see the entire cab in your rear-view mirror before you signal and pull in front of the vehicle.
• Before you attempt to pass a tractor-trailer or other large vehicle, pay careful attention to its turn signals.
• Trucks need at least four to six seconds of space in wet conditions and when traveling at highway speeds.
• Never cut in front of a truck in traffic or if you need to exit or turn.
• If you see a trucker driving dangerously, call the authorities.

Florida truck crashes are usually serious. If you have been injured in a truck accident in St. Petersburg or the surrounding area, contact an experienced St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer at our office. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Call us today at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947 or fill our online contact form to receive your free case evaluation.