Trucking Accident Lawyer in Illinois
Ways to Avoid Truck Accidents
The Chicago trucking accident lawyers of Ambrose & Associates presents the following information to help you avoid a trucking accident in Illinois.
Trucking accidents in Illinois
Truck Accident Prevention Tips – What are the top ways to avoid an accident with a truck?
- Never drive after drinking. Even one alcoholic beverage is too many.
- Do not drive after ingesting any type of drug. If your doctor has prescribed drugs, ask if it is safe to drive while using the medicine.
- Never drive when you are tired.
- Report dangerous truck driver behavior.
- Do not drive aggressively.
- Keep you focus on the road and driving - no phone calls!
- Truck drivers have blind spots on both sides of the truck. If you cannot see the truck’s mirrors, the trucker cannot see you.
- It takes a truck a long time to stop because of its size. Never stop short in front of a trunk.
- Because of its wide load, a truck needs lots of room to make a turn. Never pass on a truck’s right when it is turning left. Let it make its turn first.
- Never cut a truck off or engage it in a race. The smaller vehicle will probably lose.
- When merging onto the highway give a semi room. The driver may not be able to stop quickly enough if you dart in front of him.
- Do not tailgate a truck. If he stops suddenly your vehicle may go under the truck. Leave at least 20 car lengths between your car and the 18 wheeler in front of you.
- Pass semis quickly, on the left, and on a straight stretch of road.
- Make it easy for a truck to pass you.
- Federal law says that a truck must leave a distance of at least 400 feet between themselves and the car in front of them. However, if a truck is tailgating you, allow the truck to pass when you can safely do so. If you feel the trucker’s behavior is dangerous, report the trucker.
- Federal laws mandate that truck drivers can operate for a maximum of 13 hours with a ten hour break. If a driver is operating the truck erratically, get out of the way and report the dangerous driving.
- Be aware of road conditions and adjust your driving speed accordingly.
Ambrose & Associates hope that this information can help you drive safely. However, if you have been the victim of an accident with a truck, semi truck, or 18 wheeler, a trucking accident attorney in Illinois will help you receive just compensation.
