How To Share The Road With Tractor-Trailers

The amount of shipping that originates in Florida means that there are more tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles on the road than there might be in other states. However, far too many drivers – particularly those who do not hail from Florida originally – who are not used to sharing the road with such large vehicles. It is important to educate oneself in order to drive in Florida more safely.

Blind Spots Are Real

It is fairly common knowledge that large trucks have blind spots – places where a driver cannot see vehicles behind them – but too many drivers do not take these seriously, trying to rush through them or even ignoring them in favor of going faster. If a tractor-trailer driver decides to change lanes, a driver in their blind spot runs the risk of being struck from the side – and accidents involving tractor-trailers are disproportionately likely to be serious or even deadly. In general, if a driver cannot see a tractor-trailer’s mirrors, the tractor-trailer driver cannot see the other vehicle.

Watch The Weather

It is a good idea to be extra careful when driving near a tractor-trailer during poor weather. These vehicles have a different center of gravity than the average passenger car, which means they are more likely to fall over in high winds or after sudden stops. In rain, a sudden stop can be even more dangerous, as tractor-trailers require much more stopping distance than civilian cars (roughly 525 feet compared to roughly 315, respectively) and rain will only make this worse.

Give Them Space

While the actual distance one should leave is in dispute, authorities generally concur that a civilian car should leave a longer-than-usual distance between themselves and a tractor-trailer. Between their longer stopping distance and wide turning radius, it is simply a good idea to not be caught by surprise when a truck decides to move on the road.

Call A Tampa Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney

Every road user in Florida is required by law to share the road in a responsible manner. If you have been injured in a crash with a tractor-trailer, a Tampa tractor-trailer accident attorney from the Rinaldo Law Group can help determine whether or not you have a case. Contact our office today at (813) 831-9999 to schedule a consultation.