A majority of people commute on expressways and highways every day, driving in and out of traffic with motorcycles, large trucks, and other vehicle types. While everyone will do their best to drive safely, accidents do happen. Unfortunately, due to size differences, truck, car and bike accidents can often be catastrophic. Truck accident attorneys and motorcycle accident attorneys offer the following tips to staying safe on the road, regardless of who you are traveling with.
One of the most important things to remember when driving on the highway is visibility. Be sure to check your blind spot when turning or changing lanes. Don’t just look for an absence of cars, make sure you are also checking for motorcycles. Avoid tailgating motorcycles and large trucks. Not only is it rude, but large trucks often have a much larger blind spot. Help the trucker drive safely by making sure you can see their mirrors when you are behind the truck. If you can see the mirrors, the truck driver can see you.
Of course, tailgating isn’t the only aggressive driving maneuver that can get you into trouble. Avoid cutting too close in front of large trucks and motorcycles. While motorcycles often respond more quickly when the brakes are applied, if you cause a cyclist to lock their brakes, he or she can flip the motorcycle and end up in the road or hitting your car. Automobile accident lawyers also emphasize that cars often miscalculate a motorcycle’s speed and end up clipping the front wheel when they cut too close.
Truck accident attorneys offer other reasons not to cut off a truck driver. Large trucks require a longer stopping area, and may be unable to avoid hitting your vehicle. If they attempt to steer away, they may overcompensate and can tip the truck over or jackknife across lanes of traffic.
The easiest way to avoid a car accident with bikes and trucks is to be a conscientious, defensive driver. By paying close attention to your surroundings, you will be able to commute safely in addition to making the road safer for everyone else.
