Safety Protocols for Driving Near Large Trucks on New York Highways
By Ross Cellino
Many dangers can present themselves to drivers on New York highways, but one they may not account for is large trucks. When commuting on New York highways, you will likely see many large semi-trucks, so much so that you do not make much of them.
However, driving near large trucks and treating them like any other vehicle on the road can be a costly mistake, as failing to adjust the way you drive to account for the large vehicle can lead to a catastrophic truck accident. Victims of these accidents can suffer severe injuries and damages that affect their physical health and quality of life.
When driving near large trucks on New York highways, drivers should slow down, stay out of blind spots, give a large truck space to stop, and ensure they are entirely past the truck before merging into its lane. If you suffer a New York truck accident, you should contact a local New York truck accident lawyer to determine your options for pursuing compensatory damages.
The Dangers of Driving Near a Large Semi-Truck
Truck accidents can occur on New York highways when drivers do not properly adjust how they drive to compensate for a large truck. Semi-trucks are much different than cars; they are longer, weigh more, require longer stopping distances, and have to make wider turns.
If a New York driver does not adjust their driving when near a semi-truck, they can cause a severe truck accident. Semi-trucks can cause major damage when striking a car, including destroying the protective shell and exposing the driver and passengers to serious injuries.
Semi-truck accident victims who fail to give a large truck the proper space can suffer severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, bone fractures, and spinal cord injuries. Their serious injuries can lead to long-term pain and suffering and, in some cases, wrongful death.
The following are some large semi-trucks that New York drivers should stay wary of on the highway:
- 18-wheelers
- Tow trucks
- Amazon delivery trucks
- Dump trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Haul trucks
- Tank trucks
Slow Down When Driving Next to a Large Truck on the Highway
When driving on a New York highway, you should slow down if you are coming close to a large truck. You should maintain the proper speed limit but do not go any faster than you have to to avoid coming into direct contact with a large truck.
If a large truck strikes your vehicle, it can cause significant damage to your car and expose you to severe injury risk. Avoiding a truck accident can involve slowing down and paying close attention to where the large truck is going.
Distracted driving or speeding when you are close to a semi-truck can prove disastrous, as you can come into direct contact with a large vehicle. Remaining focused and keeping a safe distance can help you avoid a truck accident and suffering severe injuries like 16,467 New York large truck accident victims did in 2021.
Stay Out of a Lage Truck’s Blind Spots
A major New York truck accident safety tip is to stay out of a large truck’s blind spots when driving near it on a New York highway. Large vehicles like semi-trucks will have blind spots where the driver cannot see, as mirrors cannot possibly cover the entirety of the areas around a semi-truck.
A semi-truck’s blind spots are located directly in front, behind the vehicle, and on each side. When you are driving in one of these spots, the truck driver cannot see you and could mistakenly make a move that can expose you to serious truck accident risk.
While you may think this is the truck driver’s fault, it’s your responsibility to stay out of the truck driver’s blind spots. Keep your distance and safely drive around a truck driver’s blind spots to avoid them being unable to see you on the highway.
Be Aware of a Large Truck’s Long Stopping Distance
Due to the size of a large truck, they require much longer stopping distances for the vehicle to come to a complete stop. It takes a semi-truck the length of two football fields to completely stop. New York drivers should account for that when driving near one on the highway.
When merging in front of a large truck, drivers should give the semi-truck extra space for them to stop. Rather than giving just a car’s worth of space, New York drivers should allow much more space to give the semi-truck the time to stop without crashing.
The Proper Way to Pass a Large Truck on the Highway
There will be situations where you must pass in front of a truck to allow for continuous traffic flow. When merging in front of a semi-truck, you must ensure the truck is visible in your rearview mirror. As you switch lanes, give the truck space for stopping distance, as mentioned above.
When switching lanes in front of a large truck, avoid passing from the right lane where truck drivers have less visibility. When a large truck passes in front of you, give them the space to safely make the lane switch to avoid a catastrophic collision.
Do You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Following a truck accident, it’s essential to hire a truck accident lawyer who can help you with the steps involved in a truck accident claim. They can help you collect evidence to establish negligence in a truck accident claim.
Truck accident victims can suffer economic and non-economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and loss of consortium. A truck accident lawyer can help you hold a truck driver or trucking company accountable for negligence that caused the accident and your severe injuries.
Contact Cellino Law for Help With Your Truck Accident Claim
The truck accident lawyers at Cellino Law have decades of experience helping New York truck accident victims who suffered damages from accidents caused by fatigued drivers, overloaded semi-trucks, and poorly maintained vehicles. They understand New York state and federal regulations that apply to truck drivers.
Our truck accident lawyers can help hold parties that fail to adhere to these regulations accountable for truck accident damages. They can help advise you on the best steps to receive a fair truck accident settlement. Contact Cellino Law today for a free consultation by calling us at (888) 888-8888 or leaving a message on our online contact page.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino
Ross Cellino
As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.
