Tractor Trailer Accidents

Avoiding Tractor Trailer Accidents

The law office of John C. Giles is proud to offer citizens of Mesa some safety tips for avoiding tractor-trailer accident-related injuries, loss of life, and costly litigation.

• Always exercise caution: When driving in front of, behind, or next to a tractor-trailer, remember that these trucks are cumbersome to steer, take longer to accelerate (especially up hills), and longer to slow down and stop (especially going downhill) than other vehicles.
• Be aware of poor road conditions: These can only exacerbate the problems of maneuvering or stopping a large truck.
• Don’t cut off a tractor-trailer: They weigh more than you! Some may be lugging as much as 80,000 total pounds, between their own weight and the weight of their cargo. You don’t want that crashing into your bumper, so think before abruptly changing lanes.
• Assume the worst regarding the tractor-trailer driver: They are commonly bored, exhausted, or distracted. The only thing you can do about this is stay as far away from these trucks when out on the road as possible. Don’t tailgate, don’t ride alongside them, and, if you have to pass, do it quickly and then steer clear.
• Avoid blind spots: These are the areas around the truck that afford low visibility to the driver. As you will see on signs stuck to many tractor-trailers, if you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, he can’t see you.
• Don’t be aggressive: Indulging in road rage against a tractor-trailer will not benefit you or the truck driver and could, in fact, lead to behaviors that can get both of you – and your passengers – killed. Remember this rule: he’s bigger, therefore he wins.

Tractor-trailer accidents account for an eighth of all traffic fatalities. Do your best not to become a statistic by driving smart and keeping your distance around tractor-trailers and other large trucks.

Should an accident occur despite your best efforts, contact the Mesa law firm of John C. Giles at 866-267-7132 for advice or a free consultation.