Sharing the road with vehicles of all sizes is an important and necessary part of driving. This is especially true when it comes to 18-wheeler trucks. Due to their immense size and limited visibility and braking capacity in certain situations, it is essential that motorists know how to safely drive alongside and behind big trucks so that tragedy can be avoided.
Here are some of the basics for following behind a semi truck.
Don’t Cut Them Off- Passing a slow-moving truck on the highway can be tempting when you’re in a hurry, but it can be extremely dangerous to cut directly in front of them. Because large vehicles need a longer stopping time than standard passenger vehicles, they also need more room between themselves and the vehicle in front of them to avoid a collision.
Avoid Blind Spots- A number of big truck accidents occur because the truck driver was unable to see smaller vehicles in neighboring lanes. If you can’t see the driver in a semi truck’s side mirror, it is safe to assume that you’re in a blind spot and he or she can’t see you, either. Speed up or slow down to avoid driving in a blind spot, be careful when merging near an 18-wheeler and get to a place where you are visible to the driver.
Watch Out For Wide Turns– Semi trucks tend to have a warning on the back that cautions drivers about wide turns. Because an 18-wheeler requires extra room to make a turn, it’s essential that you never try to squeeze past one as it’s turning. It’s also vital not to get stuck between a truck and the curb when it begins to make a turn.
Use Your Signals– If you are attempting to change lanes or pass the truck, make sure to do so safely. Use your turn signals and accelerate to get to a safe distance in front of the truck, making sure it is visible in your rearview mirror before pulling several car lengths in front.
Slow Your Roll– We all have places to be, and we’re all in a hurry to get there, but when it comes to driving on the road with a big truck, a little patience just may save your life! Wait for a truck to make turns and drive behind it at a slower pace until it is safe to pass. Trust us, being a few minutes late to work is nothing compared to getting into a crash with a semi truck!
By following these safety tips, you can minimize your chances of getting into a collision with an 18-wheeler vehicle on the road. Your big truck accident attorney in Denver, Colorado wishes you all the best for safe travels this summer road trip season!
What precautions should be taken when working on a vehicle?
Here are some precautions that should be taken when working on a vehicle:
- Park the vehicle on a level surface. This will help to prevent the vehicle from rolling or tipping over.
- Apply the parking brake. This will help to keep the vehicle from rolling even if the transmission is in neutral.
- Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition. This will help to prevent accidental starts or electrical shocks.
- Disconnect the battery negative cable. This will help to prevent electrical shocks and fires.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves. This will protect your eyes and hands from injuries.
- Be aware of the location of moving parts. Stay away from moving parts, such as the fan, belts, and pulleys.
- Use the proper tools. Using the wrong tools can damage the vehicle or injure you.
- Clean up spills immediately. Spilled fluids, such as oil and coolant, can be slippery and cause accidents.
- Dispose of hazardous materials properly. Hazardous materials, such as brake fluid and antifreeze, should be disposed of in accordance with local regulations.
- Never work on a vehicle that is not stable. Always use jack stands or ramps to support the vehicle when working underneath it.
By following these precautions, you can help to prevent accidents and injuries when working on a vehicle.
Here are some additional precautions that you may need to take depending on the specific task you are doing:
- If you are working with chemicals, wear a respirator to protect your lungs.
- If you are working with electricity, use insulated tools and wear rubber gloves to protect yourself from shocks.
- If you are working with hot parts, wear heat-resistant gloves and clothing.
- If you are working with sharp parts, wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
It is always a good idea to consult a repair manual or an experienced mechanic before working on a vehicle. This will help you to ensure that you are taking the necessary safety precautions and that you are doing the job correctly.