Have you ever been in a close encounter with a semi truck while driving? These vehicles are intimidating because of their sheer size and power, especially when driving on Pennsylvania’s busy roads. There are some ways to protect yourself when sharing the road with these vast vehicles. We’ll look at some practical tips to reduce your risk of a truck accident so you can drive more confidently.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Pennsylvania

Understanding the causes of truck accidents is an important step to learning how to prevent them. Here are the top causes of truck crashes in Pennsylvania.

Fatigue in Truck Drivers: Long working hours and demanding schedules are often the cause of fatigue. It can affect a driver’s ability to react, judge, and be aware, which increases the risk of an accident. 

Distracted driving: Like passenger car drivers truckers are susceptible to distractions such as texting, eating or fiddling with GPS devices. Even if a trucker takes his or her attention away from the road for just a few moments, the results can be catastrophic.

Blind spots: Semi trucks have blind spots on all sides. A truck driver may not notice a vehicle that is lingering in a blind space, resulting in dangerous lane-changes or merging accidents.

Poor Road Condition: Pennsylvania weather is notoriously unpredictable. Roads can become slippery and dangerous, especially when there is rain, snow or ice. This is particularly true for large trucks. 

Mechanical Fault: Although trucks are complex machines that require maintenance, they can still fail. Tire blowouts or steering problems can turn an otherwise well-maintained vehicle into a deadly hazard.

Aggressive driving: Speeding up, tailgating and unsafe lane changing are all dangerous behaviors for any vehicle. However, the sheer size of trucks makes them more likely to cause serious accidents.

Tips to Stay Safe Around Trucks

All drivers in Pennsylvania must share the road safely with large trucks. These tips will help you reduce your chances of getting into an accident.

Be Alert to Blind Spots : If you cannot see the mirrors of the truck, it is likely that they can’t. Avoid standing in the blind spots of a truck, which can be found on both sides, behind and in front.

Pass Quickly and Safely: If you have to pass a vehicle, pass it on the left and as quickly as possible. Avoid lingering near a truck, where you could be invisible to the driver.

Allow Trucks More Space: Due to their size and weight trucks require more space for maneuvering. Avoid cutting off trucks, especially when merging or changing lanes. Remember that their stopping distance will be much greater than that of a passenger vehicle.

Expect Wide Turns: Large trucks need more space when making turns, particularly right turns. Never try to squeeze by a truck initiating a right turn. You should be extra vigilant when driving in areas with tight turns, such as those found in older Pennsylvanian towns and cities.

Use clear signals: Give truck drivers ample time to react by using your turn signals.

Stay Focused : Eliminate distractions at all times behind the wheel. This is particularly important when driving near trucks. An inattention could lead to serious consequences.

What Should I Do if I’m in a Truck Accident

A truck accident can be a stressful and frightening experience. It is important to know what to do after a truck accident to protect your rights. Here is a step-by-step guide.

Information Exchange: Get the following information from the driver of the truck:

• Name and contact details
• Number of the driver’s licence
• Trucking company name
• Information about the insurance company and its policy
• Number of the truck license plate

Gather evidence: Take these steps if you are physically able:

• Take photos of the accident scene including any damage to the vehicle or truck and road signs, skidmarks, debris, etc.
• Note the date, time, and location of the accident.
• Identify and contact any witnesses.

Seek medical attention: Get a medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if it doesn’t seem like an injury. Some injuries like whiplash and internal bleeding may not show symptoms immediately.

Consult an Experienced Attorney: Cases involving truck accidents are complex because multiple parties are involved, and they often involve specialized regulations. A Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer can:

• Protect your legal rights
• Build a strong case
• Negotiate with Insurance Companies
• You deserve to be compensated fairly.

You can feel in control of your driving in Pennsylvania by knowing what to do in the event of a truck accident. You can reduce your risk of becoming a statistic by understanding the risks and respecting the limits of large trucks. If the worst happens, you can protect yourself and your rights by knowing what to do.