A commercial vehicle crash can have devastating consequences. This is primarily due to the sheer size and weight of semi-trucks compared to passenger vehicles. Defensive driving is crucial in preventing these accidents and ensuring your safety on the road. You must understand the risks associated with these excessively large trucks on Tampa Bay’s roads. Knowing how to navigate safely around them significantly reduces your chances of being involved in a collision.
As we explore the role of defensive driving and how it might protect those at risk of a commercial vehicle crash, we must start with an important question:
What makes commercial vehicles so dangerous?
Commercial vehicles, including 18-wheelers and lare trucks, present unique hazards to drivers due to severeal key factors:
- Extended Stopping Distance – Due to their weight, semi-trucks require significantly more time and space to come to a complete stop.
- Expansive Blind Spots – Large trucks have blind spots on all sides, making it difficult for truck drivers to see surrounding vehicles.
- Limited Maneuverability – These vehicles can’t react as quickly to sudden traffic changes, increasing the risk of a commercial vehicle crash.
Given these challenges, drivers in Tampa Bay must take extra precautions when sharing the road with commercial vehicles. Busy thoroughfares like Interstate 4, Highway 60, Hillsborough Avenue, and Dale Mabry Highway are hot spots for commercial vehicle accidents, and defensive driving is a key factor in protecting yourself.
How Defensive Driving Helps Prevent A Commercial Vehicle Crash:
Defensive driving is a proactive approach that combines awareness of your surroundings, anticipation of potential hazards, and appropriate reactions to those hazards. By following defensive driving techniques, you can reduce the likelihood of a commercial vehicle crash.
According to DefensiveDriving.org, “defensive driving” is defined as:
“A skillset that allows you to identify potential hazards and adapt your driving to prevent an accident.”
What does this look like for the average driver on Florida’s roads?
Stay Alert and Focused
Avoid distractions like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving. These actions pull your attention away from the road. Lack of attention means you might not see upcoming hazards until it’s too late.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance to Avoid a Commercial Vehicle Crash
Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and a commercial truck to allow for sudden stops. Too little space increases your chances of hitting the truck in front of you, or causing a secondary accident.
Truck blind spots can be a big factor in a commercial vehicle crash.
Watch for Blind Spots
Be mindful of a truck’s no-zones and avoid lingering in areas where the driver cannot see you. Remember, if you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see your vehicle!
Obey Speed Limits and Road Signs (and Adjust to the Weather!)
Speeding near large trucks can increase the risk of losing control or being involved in a crash. The rules on Tampa’s roads are there for a reason. Ignoring them could have serious or deadly consequences. It’s important to note that bad weather and poor visibility mean you should go slower than the posted speed limit!
Anticipate Other Drivers’ Actions
This is, perhaps, the biggest factor in defensive driving. Never assume a truck driver sees you or will react as expected. Prepare for sudden lane changes, braking, or last-minute stops. By anticipating these actions, you’ll be able to react appropriately and quickly to avoid a crash.
How can you learn defensive driving techniques to avoid an accident?
Defensive driving techniques can be learned through specialized courses offered by driving schools throughout the Tampa Bay Area. However, even without formal training, you can implement the above defensive-driving strategies each time you get behind the wheel. Staying alert, preparing for the unexpected, and practicing safe driving habits can protect you, your passengers, and others on the road.
Brooks Law Group Advocates for you after a commercial vehicle crash.
Unfortunately, even the safest drivers can still be victimized in a commercial vehicle crash. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident due to a driver’s negligence, the legal team at Brooks Law Group is here to help. We specialize in representing individuals when they’re injured in a commercial vehicle crash, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Our experienced attorneys take every necessary step to protect your legal rights after an accident. We will:
- Investigate the cause of your accident by examining evidence, speaking with law enforcement, working with accident reconstruction specialists, and studying information pulled from the commercial vehicle (blackbox data)
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf so you don’t get cheated out of a claim or offered a lowball settlement
- Fight for the maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering
Rest assured that you won’t pay unless we win, so you can pursue your case risk-free. Even your initial consultation is free! Contact us today and take the first step toward securing the justice you deserve. We are one of Tampa’s top choices when looking for a commercial vehicle accident lawyer. We proudly serve cities throughout the state of Florida with the best in compassionate, quality legal representation. We’re never too far away to help you after an accident!
We know all too well how a commercial vehicle crash can change lives in an instant. By practicing defensive driving, you can reduce your risk of being involved in a serious accident. Always stay alert, respect large trucks’ limitations, and drive responsibly. When accidents do happen, you know you can always look to Brooks.
