Tractor-trailer accidents are some of the worst on Wisconsin roads, with 73 fatal accidents in 2018, and more than 4,800 fatal truck crashes happening nationwide in 2020. Because passenger vehicles are much smaller than commercial trucks, these incidents can cause severe injuries and even death on I-94, I-894, I-794, and other roads in Wisconsin. Below are tips to avoid accidents with semi-trucks in Wisconsin. Do not hesitate to contact our Wisconsin truck accident lawyers at Martin Law Office, S.C., if you need legal assistance.
All vehicles on the road have blind spots, but trucks’ blind spots are bigger. Truck blind spots are on either side of the trailer, about halfway to the back and directly behind. You can avoid many accidents by staying out of those blind spots as much as possible. Remember, if you cannot see the driver in their side view mirrors, they cannot see you.
If you are in the lane next to a truck and they are turning, try to give them more room; trucks need more clearance to turn than smaller vehicles. Try to move to another lane when the truck makes a wide turn to avoid an accident.
Driving on Wisconsin interstates can be tedious, but you should always drive focused, especially around semi-trucks. Distractions that can cause serious accidents include cell phones, changing the radio, eating, drinking, and talking to passengers. If you are on a long trip, have music, podcasts, or audiobooks prepared before you hit the road so you keep your attention focused on the road.
One of the problems with a tractor-trailer in front of you is limited visibility. You cannot easily see slowed or stopped traffic, construction, and other obstacles. So, leave more room between you and the truck ahead so you can better see what is going on down the road.
Many accidents happen because the other driver does not know what your intentions are. When the other driver is a trucker, it is essential that they can anticipate what you will do. Use your turn signals sooner than you would with other drivers so the trucker has time to slow down if needed. For example, changing lanes in front of the trucker without signaling may not give them enough time to slow down to avoid hitting you from behind.
If you need to pull over on the highway or interstate, stopping at the next exit is best. Stopping on the side of the road increases the chances of an accident. If a trucker does not see you or nods off, they could hit your vehicle at high speed. If you must pull over on the highway, find an area with the widest shoulder possible or wait for a rest stop.
Most of us have dealt with heavy snow or rain in Wisconsin at one time or another. Unfortunately, truckers have an even harder time dealing with these conditions. Wet and icy roads make large vehicles challenging to control, so give the truck more room when the weather turns bad.
There are fewer chances of a truck accident if you minimize the time your vehicle is next to them. So, pass trucks quickly without breaking the speed limit. Many truck accidents are due to tire blowouts, and rollovers can occur when the truck loses control in bad weather or wind.
When you pass a truck and move over to their lane, wait until you see the driver in your rearview mirror to make your move after signaling. They could hit you from behind if you cut the truck off by moving over too soon.
Many highway and interstate entrances in Milwaukee with limited merging room make it difficult for trucks to merge safely. If you are on the highway and approaching a truck that is merging, give them the space they need to enter the road safely. Being a safe and courteous driver is not just the right thing to do; it helps to keep you out of accidents.
It is understandable to get impatient when a truck backs into a loading dock or driveway because it could block traffic. However, rushing the trucker or getting too close can make the situation more dangerous. Also, you should only try to drive around the truck that is backing up if you can see what is coming.
Also, remember that tight parking spots and loading docks are difficult for truckers because they need more visibility. They could make an unexpected maneuver when parking, so give them plenty of time and room.
Try to avoid merging in front of a semi-truck if traffic is slowing down; it is harder for the larger vehicle to slow down quickly. Likewise, if the big rig is passing you, slow down to let the truck around you faster.
Sometimes accidents happen on the roads no matter what we do. If you are in an accident with a truck, here is what to do:
Were you in a truck accident recently with serious injuries? You may have a claim against the truck driver and their company for your damages. Contact our Wisconsin truck accident lawyers at Martin Law Office, S.C. at (414) 856-4010 for legal assistance.
