As Atlanta trial attorneys who handle trucking accidents, we at Pope & Howard, P.C. are painfully aware of the catastrophic damage that tractor trailers and big rigs can cause. Tractor-trailer drivers must go through a rigorous training program to obtain a commercial driver’s license, but the trucking companies often place enormous pressure on the drivers to make their runs on time. Unfortunately, these pressures can cause an otherwise safe truck driver to cut corners. Protect yourself and your family with these tips for safely sharing the road with tractor trailers – even those who cut corners.
Leave Space Between Your Vehicle and Tractor Trailers
Because of their size and weight, tractor trailers are far less maneuverable than most vehicles on the road. In the case of an emergency, the driver of a tractor trailer will have difficulty stopping—and if you are tailgating, that means you won’t be able to stop, either. Give big rigs on the road a wide berth, and be respectful of blind spots.
Be Aware of Adverse Conditions
Tractor trailer drivers already have a difficult time maneuvering a 12,000-80,000 pound vehicle with limited visibility—adverse conditions like rain, snow, smoke, or fog can make the situation even worse. Remember—if a slick road makes it difficult for you to stop, it is exponentially more difficult for big trucks. Again, leave plenty of space between your vehicle and overloaded tractor trailers, and obey all posted speed limits.
Practice Defensive Driving
Always be prepared for the unexpected, especially when it comes to tractor trailers. Other vehicles on the road can drive erratically, forcing big rigs to brake suddenly or change lanes without much warning. In addition, tractor trailers often have tire “blow-outs” that cause big trucks to spin out of control. While there are some things that you cannot prepare for, leaving space between your vehicle and the cars and trucks around you can help to prevent fatal tractor trailer accidents.
Pope & Howard, P.C.: Atlanta Tractor Trailer Attorneys
Atlanta trial lawyers Geoff Pope and Marc Howard are well versed in the complex state and federal regulations that surround trucking accidents. If you or a loved one have been injured in a tractor trailer accident, contact the truck accident experts for a free initial consultation at (866) 910-0642.
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