Pueblo Injury Law Firm – Smith & Smith
Large Commercial Trucks: Sharing the Road Safely
No matter what kind of car you drive—-if you are involved in an accident with an 80,000 pound fully loaded big rig, you are at a major disadvantage. In the state of Colorado, large commercial vehicle travel on nearly every highway en route to their cross country destinations. Their mere presence on the road can be dangerous—especially in hazardous weather. Therefore, it is important to know how to share the roads safely, so you can avoid serious life threatening injuries and even death.Smith
Safety Tips for All Drivers: Watch out for the blind spot: Large commercial trucks and big rigs can have large blind spots. These “no-zones” are around the front, back and sides of large trucks and can make it incredibly difficult for a truck driver to see your automobile or motorcycle. As a result, truck drivers may inadvertently change lanes and run right into your vehicle. As a good rule of thumb, if you can’t see the truck driver in the truck driver’s mirrors—then chances are he can’t see you!
Pay attention: When driving on Colorado roadways always pay close attention to the road in front of you and to traffic around you. Avoid talking on your cell phone, texting or chatting with passengers during your drive. Inattention to the roadway is one of the main causes of motor vehicle accidents.
Stay Calm: No matter how much you want to be out of traffic, avoid getting frustrated and losing your cool. Aggressive drivers are at an increased risk for motor vehicle accidents and can put themselves and everyone around them in danger. Weaving in and out of traffic—especially around large trucks— can cause catastrophic trucking accidents as large commercial trucks need a longer time and greater distance to come to a complete stop.
Watch for right turns: A large commercial truck has to make large and often sweeping right turns. As a result they can clip or “squeeze” the vehicle next to them. Pay close attention to truck signals and avoid trying to cut in front of them at all times.
Trucking Accident Statistics
- In 2007 alone, there were over 410,000 large trucking accidents across the United States.
- Of these accidents, 4,584 of them were fatal and a total of 4,808 people lost their lives.
- In 2007, there were over 101,000 people injured in large trucking accidents.
If you or someone you love is involved in a trucking accident, it is important to contact an experienced trucking accident lawyer immediately after your accident. Large commercial trucking companies often have large legal firms on their side—as a result, you will need an aggressive Pueblo trucking accident attorney on yours.
Call Pueblo Personal Injury Attorneys at Smith & Smith today for a free consultation.
(719) 544-0062. RELATED PERSONAL INJURY INFORMATION:
• Pueblo Auto Accident Information
• Car Accident Related Injuries
• Colorado Car Insurance Requirements
