Things Not to Do When Driving Close to Trucks

How to avoid an 18-wheeler accident in Tennessee

At the law firm of Craft & Sheppard, PLC, we want to inform and protect the public and prevent a potential trucking accident.  These simple tips can help you avoid 18-wheeler accidents in Tennessee.  While this information is extremely beneficial, if you are looking for an experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney in Tennessee, contact us today.

Slow down

In Tennessee, 18-wheeler accidents happen more readily due to the sheer mass of the truck.  Semi-trucks cannot stop as easily as cars.  A truck driving 55 mph on pavement takes 100 yards (the size of a football field) to stop.  Plus, trucks are more than 80 feet long and are not as easily maneuvered as a car.  Because they are unable to stop or even slow down immediately, do not cut off a truck only to slow down or put on your brakes. 

Turns

Large semi-trucks usually have a “wide right turn” sign on the rear of the trailer.  This and other signs on the vehicle are there for the protection of other drivers.  The blind spot for a tractor-trailer is much larger than a car’s.  If a trucker turns while a vehicle is in this blind spot, he most likely will hit the car without even knowing it.

Tailgating trucks on Tennessee roads

Tailgating any vehicle is not safe, but tailgating an 18-wheeled truck is more dangerous due to its size.  The wheels on these trucks are large.  If a tire were to blow, you are looking at approximately a six feet long piece of rubber with wires coming off the rim and flying towards your vehicle at a high rate of speed that could damage your vehicle or come through the windshield.
Driving too close to an 18-wheeler is also dangerous, because the car behind cannot see what is in front of the truck. If the truck were to put on its brakes suddenly or swerve due to something in the road, a vehicle tailgating would not be able to react and most likely will hit the 18-wheeler from behind. ATennessee 18-wheeler accident can be avoided by keeping a safe distance between your car and the truck.  (A safe distance behind a truck is 150 feet.)

If you have been involved in a trucking accident and believe you may have a trucking accident lawsuit, call an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Tennessee.  Our attorneys are able to review your case, answer your questions, and move forward with litigation if necessary.  If you are in need of answers, contact the law firm of Craft & Sheppard, PLC today.