While a car accident can be a traumatic experience, it is not as devastating as a truck collision, especially if the other driver is heading the wrong way.
Trucks are large and heavy vehicles, which can lead to serious damage upon impact, resulting in severe injuries and even death. To prevent such tragic incidents, truckers and other road users must follow traffic laws and practice defensive driving.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys have extensive experience helping injured victims navigate the complexities associated with truck accident claims. They can help the affected parties in Toledo, Ohio, by assessing their cases and aggressively fighting for their rights and help with questions like What can you do to avoid Rear-End Truck Accidents?
What Can You Do to Avoid Head-on Truck Accidents
Head-on collisions can be scary, and since it's not a problem that truck drivers face daily, it can be challenging to predict and avoid. However, there are several things that one can do to reduce the likelihood of crashing into oncoming traffic.
Here are a few tips to help truck drivers avoid head-on collisions with other motor vehicles:
Look Ahead
When driving any motor vehicle, including a truck, it's essential for the driver always to look ahead. Distracted driving can prevent them from seeing potential hazards or reduce their response time, which can increase the risk of a head-on collision.
By staying vigilant on the road, drivers can identify potential hazards or incoming vehicles, giving them enough time to take action and prevent head-on collisions.
Swerve Right
Since a truck is extremely heavy, avoiding head-on collisions by slamming down on the brakes won't do much good. It can only reduce the speed of the vehicle.
When there is an incoming motor vehicle, truck drivers only have a few seconds to take the right action. In such situations, it's best to swerve right and gradually slow down.
If there are multiple lanes, truck drivers can drive in the extreme right lane while leaving the left lane next to them open.
Stay in the Right Lane
When a wrong-way driver realizes that they're not on the right side of the road, they'll immediately swerve right (the truck driver's left) to return to the correct lane.
Staying in the right lane is a great way for truck drivers to avoid head-on collisions, as the chances of the oncoming vehicle swerving to that side of the road are low.
Drive off the Road
When avoiding head-on collisions becomes difficult, truck drivers should drive off the road. That way, they would avoid a direct impact with the wrong-way driver, which could've had serious repercussions.
How to Avoid Truck Accidents in Ohio
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 57% of all accidents involving large trucks happen in rural areas. In 2017, there were 13 fatal big rig crashes per million, while in 2021, 5,788 died in truck crashes in the United States.
The four R's (read, right, reduce, and ride) are an excellent way for drivers to avoid head-on collisions. However, these types of crashes are not the only type of truck accidents that happen in Ohio. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also advise what you can do to avoid brake failure accidents.
While defensive driving is a fantastic technique to reduce the risk of truck accidents, there are many other ways drivers can avoid collisions with other motor vehicles.
Here are some tips drivers in Ohio should follow to help prevent a truck accident:
Drive at reasonable speeds: Trucks are heavy, which means it can take much longer to slow down than other motor vehicles. The state's speed limit is just a guideline, and drivers must ensure that they are driving at reasonable speeds to prevent the risk of accidents. If it's been raining non-stop, for example, it's best for the trucker and other road users to reduce their speeds.
Plan ahead: Car accidents can happen anywhere at any time. Planning can help truck drivers get familiar with new routes and understand where the bridge and trestle clearances are. In some situations, truckers may be unable to use the different passenger lanes, roads, entrances, or exits. This is because big rigs are heavier and wider than other motor vehicles. The lack of planning can lead to chaos on the road, increasing the risk of truck accidents.
Reach out to the customer: When making deliveries, the truck driver should reach out to the customer and let them know when they can expect their goods. During the call, they can also ask about any particular road hazards or conditions that may affect their driving. This can take one to two minutes extra but can help the trucker plan ahead and reduce the risk of a deadly accident.
Conduct a pre-check: When making deliveries, truck drivers may enter crowded areas. Since trucks are much larger, it can be difficult for the driver to see the other road users, especially if they're in the truck's blind spots. To prevent an accident, truckers can park their trucks, get out, and check their surroundings before making a move.
Know the vehicle: It's essential for the driver to have a commercial driver's license and the necessary training to drive their truck safely, especially on crowded roads. A trucker must also know their vehicle, how it operates, and the warning signs it may display. This type of information is critical in making the right decision and can reduce the risk of accidents, including a head-on crash.
How Can Other Drivers Prevent Truck Accidents
Other road users should also take the necessary steps to prevent truck accidents from happening, including the following:
Drivers should ensure a safe following distance, as driving behind a large rig can limit their visibility. It'll also give them more opportunity to react in case of an adverse event.
Braking in a truck can take time, which is why other road users should only overtake a big rig if they can pass it with plenty of room to spare.
The truck driver may be unable to see vehicles in the truck's blind spot, increasing the risk of accidents. Other road users should only pass a truck from the driver's side and avoid staying long enough in the blind spot.
Can an Injured Victim Recover Compensation after a Truck Accident?
Whether or not an injured victim can recover compensation depends on the facts surrounding the truck accident case. The affected party needs to reach out to an experienced semi truck accident attorney in Toledo to discuss their case and learn more about their legal options.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Can Help Injured Victims with Their Head-on Collision Claims in Ohio!
Those who have suffered serious injuries in a head-on collision due to another's negligence in Toledo, Ohio, should call to schedule a free consultation with Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys. They can build a strong case and protect the victim's rights while fighting for the compensation they deserve.