Truck drivers do Americans a tremendous service by transporting much-needed items and goods where they need to be, day in and day out. When driving on the highway, you will likely encounter at least one trucker at work, delivering essential cargo to or from a destination. In this case, other motorists must drive safely and have patience around the oversized vehicle to prevent a collision. Operating these massive vehicles requires great skill as the average tractor-trailer weighs about 20 times more than an average car at a whopping 80,000 pounds.
Much of this is in the control of the truck driver. There are many ways a trucker can operate their vehicles safely and responsibly to prevent an accident. This includes getting adequate sleep, paying close attention to their mirrors and trailer, and scanning their surroundings. Typically, this is already an integral part of most truck drivers’ routines. However, like any other profession, there is always the possibility of an accident.
Motorists and Truckers Do Each Other a Service
Whether for personal or commercial purposes, drivers do each other a service by respecting traffic laws and implementing safe driving practices every day. This includes wearing a seatbelt, being mindful of blind spots, anticipating wide turns, and simply being patient.
This is because driving a truck comes with its own unique sets of challenges, such as compromised visibility of surroundings, an obligation to make wide turns, and increased difficulty with braking and accelerating due to the size and weight of the tractor-trailer. However, by doing your due diligence as a driver and remaining patient and courteous around tractor-trailers on the road, you can help prevent truck crashes from occurring, which could cause significant damage and harm to all parties involved.
How Truckers in the Triad Prioritize Safety
Our truckers have to work hard to earn their title, and it does not stop there. Every day, truck drivers pay close attention to their driving performance and prepare to execute their trips safely, every step of the way. These steps include:
- Pre-trip before they hit the road.
- On the road while they drive.
- At the destination once they arrive.
- Post-trip as their shift ends.
Before their trip, truck drivers plan their routes, check their trucks carefully, develop alternate plans in the event of bad weather, get comfortable, and put their phones away. Then, once they’re on the road, they implement safe driving practices like scanning what’s 15 seconds ahead, reducing speed on curves, staying mindful of their trailer and blind spots, remaining in one lane, and staying alert in work and school zones.
Once they reach their destination, truck drivers make sure to park somewhere safe, carefully unload their freight, and inspect the surroundings of their destination and the condition of their vehicle. Lastly, as their trip comes to a close, they ensure the truck’s security by locking doors, inspecting their truck one last time, and asking a supervisor or fellow trucker for help if any issues arise.
Truck Accident Attorneys You Can Depend on
At Daggett Shuler, we have had the privilege of working with and representing many truck drivers over the past 35 years. From our experience, we know that truck drivers are good and hardworking citizens who make our community a better place for everyone by operating their vehicles safely and effectively. However, we firmly believe in holding truck drivers accountable for negligent actions that threaten fellow motorists and pedestrians. The trucking industry deserves to uphold its good reputation, and we are honored to help.
Have you or a loved one been hurt or harmed in a tractor-trailer accident through no fault of your own? The attorneys at Daggett Shuler are here for you. Speak with us today by submitting a contact form on our website or calling our office toll-free at 336-724-1234 for a free consultation today. At Daggett Shuler, you can depend on us.