More than 425,000 crashes occurred throughout Texas in 2021 and approximately 66,000 of these incidents occurred in Houston. While any vehicle or pedestrian can be involved in a collision, truck accidents can be particularly dangerous.
The sheer size and weight of trucks and tractor-trailers mean that collisions often result in serious injuries and fatalities. In fact, statistics show that trucks were involved in more than 700 fatal injury crashes in Texas in 2021 and over 1,600 serious injury collisions. Furthermore, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable road users, with an average of 1.3 motorcycle users dying on the road every day in Texas.
By taking extra precautions, however, you can increase your safety and reduce the risk of being hurt on the road. To learn more, take a look at these five safety tips for car and motorcycle drivers to avoid truck accidents:
1. Be Visible
Trucks typically have larger ‘blind spots’ than passenger vehicles, which makes it harder for drivers to see other road users. Truck accidents can lead to increased fuel costs for trucking companies, as they may have to pay for the cost of repairs and the loss of productivity. Remember that a driver will struggle to see if you’re too close to the front, side or rear of the vehicle, so keep your distance and make sure that the driver can see your vehicle at all times.
2. Increase Stopping Time
The weight of a vehicle has an impact on quickly it can come to a stop, so trucks will generally take much longer to slow down than cars or motorcycles. When you’re in front of a truck on the road, avoid braking suddenly and use your mirrors to monitor the speed of the truck if you’re forced to slow down for any reason.
3. Avoid Stopping on the Highway
If you need to stop on the highway, look for designated spots that provide sufficient space for your vehicle. Truck accidents sometimes occur because a vehicle stops at the side of the highway and is swiped by a truck in the next lane, but this can be prevented by using allocated stopping points. Trucking businesses can be significantly impacted by truck accidents, as they can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liability.
4. Leave More Room
A large vehicle, like a semi-truck, requires more room to make turns than a car or bike and it will typically maneuver at a much slower speed too. Due to this, it’s important to leave extra room so that a truck can turn safely and allow extra time for the driver to navigate the room.
5. Signal Early
It’s always important to use your signals to tell other drivers what your intentions are but this is particularly critical around trucks. When buying a used truck near you, it is important to do your research and inspect the truck carefully for any signs of damage from a previous accident. By signaling early and making it clear when you’re going to turn or change lanes, for example, you can ensure that the truck driver is aware of your vehicle.
Dealing with Unexpected Truck Accidents in Texas
Being extra cautious around trucks can help to keep you safe on the road but it isn’t always possible to avoid getting hurt. Fortunately, a truck accident attorney in Houston can help you to take action against a driver who caused a crash or collision on the road. From proving liability to obtaining compensation, a reputable truck accident attorney will ensure your rights are upheld if you’ve been injured due to a collision with a large vehicle.