Ready To Begin Your Career As A Truck Driver? Stay Safe By Avoiding Some Common Causes Of Truck Versus Car Accidents

When it comes to a truck versus car accidents, the majority are caused by the driver of the passenger vehicles. Often the causes can be linked back to actions such as unsafe lane changes, improper freeway merging, or break-check maneuvers aimed at slowing down the truck. However, some truck versus car accidents are caused by the truck driver. That's why, if you're a truck driver, you need to know the situations that can lead to a truck versus car accident. As a truck driver, you know that accidents involving semi-trucks and passenger cars don't usually end well for the people in the car. Before you begin your career as a truck driver, here are three situations you should be aware of. Each of these situations can result in a truck versus car accident:

Driving Past Exhaustion

As a truck driver, you know how important it is that you stay on schedule. Falling behind can cause you to lose money on your route. While that's important, it's not the most important thing to consider when driving a truck. The safety of those around you is the most important aspect of your job. That's why it's crucial that you pull over as soon as you start noticing the effects of fatigue. Driving past exhaustion increases your chances of falling asleep behind the wheel of your rig, but it also reduces your ability to remain focused on the road. Both of those scenarios are a recipe for disaster. To protect yourself, and those you're sharing the road with, pull over and sleep before you reach the point of exhaustion.

Not Following Maintenance Schedules

If your truck isn't properly maintained, you increase your risk of a trucking accident. Things like brake failure, engine malfunction, and even a blown-out tire, can lead to a situation where lives are at risk, especially if you can't control your rig once it malfunctions. To reduce your chances of being involved in a maintenance-related accident, always follow the maintenance schedule for your truck. If you notice a problem with your truck, sideline yourself until you can get the issue resolved.

Being a Distracted Driver

You might think that distracted driving only affects the drivers of passenger vehicles. However, that's not correct. Being a distracted driver behind the wheel of a semi-truck, is an accident waiting to happen. As soon as you get behind the wheel of your truck, you need to have all your attention focused on the road, and the vehicles around you. Before you hit the road, set your GPS coordinates, and put your phone on hands-free mode.

Don't risk your life, or the lives of those around you. If you're getting ready to begin your career as a truck driver, familiarize yourself with some of the causes of truck versus car accidents. Contact a law office like James Munafo & Associates PC for more information and assistance. 


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