When traveling on major interstates (either at home or on vacation), you are sure to encounter many tractor trailers. While most interactions are safe and uneventful, there are a few things that drivers of smaller vehicles can do to prevent issues.

 

Pay Special Attention to Larger Vehicles. Tractor Trailer drivers have challenging jobs when dealing with heavy traffic. Changing lanes, stopping and other simple traffic maneuvers can be much more difficult with a heavy, long vehicle. Adjusting your driving when possible can prevent crashes and keep everyone safe.

 

Make Sure The Driver Can See You. All vehicles have blind spots where the driver can’t see other vehicles. With tractor trailers, these blind spots are much larger. In general, if you can see the driver’s mirror, then he or she can see you. Try to move out of their blind spot as quickly and as safely as possible.

 

Let tractor trailers merge in front of you. When you see a tractor-trailer driver attempting to change lanes,  allow him/her to merge in front of you if possible. Do not speed up or attempt to go around the larger vehicle.

 

Give Large Vehicles Room to Stop. Tractor Trailers can weigh up to 80,00 pounds! When traveling at the posted speed limit, drivers need extra space to stop their vehicle. Never cut in front of a fast-moving vehicle. Give them plenty of room to stop when at all possible. 
 

Do not follow too closely! A tractor-trailer may have to rapidly reduce its speed when traveling on an incline and uphill.  A sudden slow down can create a dangerous roadway condition for a driver behind a tractor-trailer, especially if the driver is following too closely.  Leave plenty of room between your vehicle and others in front of you to anticipate enough time to react in the event of a sudden change in speed.    

If you’ve been in a wreck with a tractor-trailer, either in West Virginia or on vacation to another state, make sure your rights are protected, and you are properly compensated. Contact Tammy Bowles Rains for a free consultation.