How can drivers reduce their risk of being involved in a semi-truck wreck?

A crash with a semi-truck can completely change the course of someone’s day and possibly their life as well. The property damage possible after a semi-truck crash could leave someone without transportation until they buy a new vehicle. The occupants of a passenger vehicle struck by a commercial truck may require emergency medical care. Catastrophic injuries, ranging from amputations to spinal cord injuries, could easily result from a crash between two vehicles of vastly different sizes.

Although the majority of crashes involving semi-trucks are the fault of the commercial vehicle or its operator, there are ways that those in passenger vehicles contribute to these wrecks. How can someone in a passenger vehicle reduce their chance of a crash caused by a semi-truck?

Approach intersections with care

18-wheelers or big rigs make wide turns. Particularly when they must turn at a relatively small intersection, they may cross lines into other lanes of traffic. Those approaching an intersection with a semi-truck already stopped may need to remain farther back from the intersection than they typically might. People may even need to back up as a semi-truck turns to avoid a crash.

Pass and merge with caution

Following a semi-truck on a two-lane state highway can be very frustrating. After all, they tend to travel at slightly lower speeds than passenger vehicles. Anyone attempting to pass a semi-truck needs to take great care, as they may not be able to see approaching traffic from behind the semi-truck. Additionally, anyone merging in front of a semi-truck needs to leave adequate space. It is also of the utmost importance that they maintain a speed that is as fast as or faster than the semi-truck to avoid it overtaking them from behind.

Stay out of blind spots

When on interstates and other multi-lane roads, people may have no choice but to drive relatively close to semi-trucks. When they do, they should prioritize staying out of the blind spots next to and behind the trailers of these trucks. Otherwise, the driver of the semi-truck may not be able to see them and could make a mistake when they decide to turn or move into another lane of traffic.

The conduct of those in smaller vehicles could help those people minimize their risk of being involved in a life-altering semi-truck crash. Additionally, taking action after a semi-truck crash (should one occur) is often easier when those involved can truthfully claim that they always follow best practices near commercial vehicles in traffic.