Habits of Safe Truckers

Bill Allen | March 5, 2019 | Truck Accident Lawyer Near Gainesville

There are approximately 6 million car accidents in the U.S. each year, and a total of 3 million people are injured every year in car accidents on U.S. roads. These scary statistics show that many drivers simply are not doing enough to stay safe behind the wheel. This is especially important for commercial truck drivers, who are responsible for maintaining and controlling vehicles exponentially larger than the typical car.

Here are some of the duties that truckers have when operating larger vehicles on the road:

Reduce Speed on Curves

Auto and motorcycle accidents account for more than 35% of new spinal cord injuries each year, and no matter how long you’ve been in the industry or how much experience you think you have, it’s essential to slow down, especially when making sharp curves or turns. Proper control of these larger vehicles is paramount to a safe trip each time they get behind the wheel.

“Usually, following the speed limit is a good thing. When it comes to trucking, however, there are times when even adhering to posted signs is still too fast (confusing, we know). Particularly on exit/entrance ramps, the posted speed limits are meant more for cars. It is widely known that trucks have a tendency to tip over if they take the curves too fast. When going through any curve, a good truck driver should set the speed far lower than the posted limit to ‘make up for the rig’s unique dimensions,” says Esurance. Distribution of weight on this type of vehicle can also play a part in the ability for the driver to maintain control under hazardous conditions, such as weather, and stopping abruptly.

Prioritize Proper Maintenance

It’s also essential that truck drivers maintain their vehicles to prevent accidents caused by faulty maintenance, such as bald tires, for example. The owner and driver’s duty is to ensure that their vehicle is running efficiently and safely at all times. They are required to take it in for routine manual inspections and making all repairs, when needed.

Finally, it’s important to have a plan of action in case the worst happens and you get involved in any type of truck accident. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the most common personal injury cases include: motor vehicle accidents (52%), medical malpractice (15%), and product liability (5%), and a qualified team of truck accident attorneys can help you navigate your case with expertise. Many of the 52% mentioned involve trucks, and the majority of those types of accidents involve extensive scene investigations that help determine fault and accident causation.

If you were involved in an accident involving a truck or big rig, and you believe that they may have failed their duty to drive safely or to properly maintain their vehicle, call an Ocala truck accident attorney, like Allen Law Firm, today. We would love to speak with you!

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala car accident lawyers at Allen Law Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have two convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258