A dangerous truck driver not only poses a danger to themselves but also to other road users. With over 80,000 pounds on wheels, even collisions at low speeds such as 30mph are enough to cause property damage, severe injuries, or even death.
Dangerous truck driving is not always intentional. Sometimes the pressure and the nature of their work contribute to the problem. But whatever the reason, identifying a dangerous trucker on the road can help avoid a deadly truck accident.
This post highlights the common signs of a dangerous truck driver you may want to look out for to avoid the possibility of getting into a crash.
Drifting in and Out of Lane
There are many reasons a driver could drift in and out of a lane, most of which are never good. These reasons can include distracted driving, fatigue, drowsiness, or driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
If you are behind such a truck, you will want to allow a reasonable distance between you and them so that you will have enough reaction times if anything happens.
When it is safe, you may also consider passing them in the farthest lane from them. If you believe they are a real danger to other road users, it would be best to notify the police.
Failure to Use Turn Signals When Turning Changing Lanes
Every driver must use their turn signals when turning or changing lanes to alert following drivers of their intentions. But that does not always happen. Not using the correct turn is a form of miscommunication that could turn catastrophic.
If you are behind a truck that has made a turn or entered a lane without using turn signals, it is safer to assume that they may do it again. Under such circumstances, you will want to allow yourself a good distance between your vehicle and the truck.
If they are too slow for your driving, you may want to wait until you reach a relatively straightforward section of the road and overtake them.
Speeding
Speeding is dangerous despite the type of vehicle. A speeding truck will need a lot more time to come to a stop when they encounter a situation that requires them to stop compared to other vehicles.
If they suddenly hit the brakes, they run the risk of having the truck jackknife affecting several lanes on the road and causing a multi-vehicle collision. Therefore, you may want to let them have their way and avoid following them closely.
Driving Too Slow
Driving too slow can indicate that the driver’s ability to control the vehicle may be compromised. For example, it could mean they are distracted, drunk, or drowsy.
If anything compromises a driver’s ability to control the vehicle, there is no way of predicting what they may do next. The best idea would be to get to a lane farthest from them and overtake them. You may also want to notify the police.
Always Contact a Lawyer if You Are Involved in a Truck Accident
Even when you do your best to stay safe on the road, an accident can still happen because there is no way of controlling all the factors leading to an accident. Unfortunately, most truck accident injuries are quite severe.
As a result, the cost of hospitalization can get pretty high very quickly. Besides costly medical costs, you could lose your source of livelihood if you were employed or running a business.
The good news is that you may be eligible to recover compensation if you were not to blame for the accident. However, you will need to hire a skilled truck accident lawyer.
Besides evaluating your case, a truck accident lawyer will file a claim on your behalf, handle settlement negotiations, and even represent you in court to ensure you get what you deserve.
- Sagittarius Man & Gemini Woman Love and Sex Compatibility - January 31, 2024
- Taurus Ascendant Rising Personality Traits in Men (Guide) - January 31, 2024
- How to Seduce and Attract a Sagittarius Man (Seduction Tips) - January 31, 2024