Blog Topic

Preventing 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents
Posted by: Craig A. Knapp
February 11, 2012

It's safe to say that for most people, it's pretty unusual to have to drive near 18-wheelers on a daily basis. For road trips or long distance driving, going head-to-head with these monstrous trucks are expected, but due to lack of experience in dealing with these vehicles, it's not always safe. Despite a truck driver's experience, they, too, can have difficulty in sharing the road with fellow, smaller-sized vehicles. Because of this, there are some key pointers to remember when sharing the road with 18-wheeler trucks.

The most important thing to do is to stay back! The best way to avoid in accident is to stay away from the truck for several reasons. First, it prevents you from getting in their blind spots. If you're too close behind or on the side of them, they won't know you're there. Put at least three car lengths of room behind their truck and your car and try to avoid driving on the side of them. Second, staying back helps avoid any incidents happening to your car due to a problem with theirs. For example, recently in Texas a man had mud slop up from an 18-wheeler's tire to his windshield, causing his vision to be blocked and resulting in an accident. Although this is sometimes unavoidable, your chances of having debris block your vision are significantly lessened if you stay back far enough. Third, they could get a flat tire. If the truck has a blow out, you are less likely to be affected if you are far enough back from them.

Another way to avoid problems surrounding 18-wheelers is to watch the road. Driving next to these big trucks is very dangerous, so your full attention is especially needed during this time. Make sure you are watching the road and paying attention to the driving habits around you. Is that semi truck in front of you swaying side to side on occasion? Perhaps the truck driver is not paying attention or is falling asleep. Being aware of your surroundings is the most surefire way to avoid an accident before it happens, or lessening the impact of one that was forced upon you by someone else.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, seek help. If there was a problem with the semi-truck or truck driver, you have the right to hold the person or company accountable for their actions. Doing so could prevent the same trauma you endured from happening to someone else. Don't waste another moment excusing someone else's negligence. Knapp & Roberts believes you and other drivers on the road have the right to feel as safe as possible when driving alongside these big vehicles. Give us a call, we will help.

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Avoiding 18-Wheeler Tractor Trailer Accidents
Posted by: Craig A. Knapp
May 26, 2011

Driving next to an 18-wheeler tractor trailer can be intimidating. The trucks typically take up the full lane, leaving the truck a little too close to your vehicle than you'd like. There's always an uncertainty as to whether or not they can see your vehicle or the fear that their tire could have a blow out.

These concerns often cloud the minds of drivers when sharing the road with an 18-wheeler, and are legitimate concerns. Each year there are thousands of accidents involving 18-wheelers, with many resulting in fatalities. In 2007 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration released police reported statistics listing about 370,000 accidents in 2006 involving 18 wheelers.

With so many accidents taking place each year involving these large trucks, it is crucial to take any steps you can to keep yourself and your family safe while driving.

Below are a few precautionary measures you can take to protect yourself from 18 wheelers while driving:

-Stay out of their blind spots. Although it may be difficult to tell whether or not the driver can see you, the best thing to do is never drive beside the truck. Always stay ahead or behind the truck to avoid a vulnerable situation.

-Be alert. Truck drivers are constantly on the road. This increases the likelihood of exhaustion and boredom, leaving them less aware and alert of their surroundings. If you notice a truck starting to drift, stay out of their way. In case of an accident, you do not want to be close to a semi truck.

- Don't be afraid to honk your horn. Although this may seem aggressive, it's a good way to alert the truck driver if you see a problem with their truck (low tire, leakage, etc...), or if you notice they're drifting. It's better to be safe, than sorry!

Truck drivers and trucks spend countless hours on the road, and drivers, companies, and manufacturers are sometimes negligent in caring for the truck or the driver. If you or someone you know has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, the best thing you can do is consult a Knapp & Roberts attorney. You deserve to be safe when driving near an 18-wheeler truck. If you suspect a company or driver has been negligent, we will work to ensure that not only you are taken care of, but that other drivers are safe from the same neglectful conduct.

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