10 Tips for Keeping Safe on the Road Around Large Trucks

We all know driving can, unfortunately, be a hazardous task. When large trucks become involved, however, that risk is compounded significantly. Operating mammoth vehicles such as these requires an even greater degree of alertness and road safety practices need to be monitored even more closely than usual. Even short trips on desolate highways can quickly turn dangerous if 18-wheelers barreling down the pavement at high speeds don’t exhibit the utmost caution.

It’s important that both drivers of cars and large trucks understand how to protect one another on the roads, and it pays dividends to always approach driving with the ability to stop quickly and take extra precaution around these imposing behemoths. Continue reading to learn 10 tips for keeping safe on the road around large trucks:  from understanding how truck drivers think to being aware of blind spots and leaving plenty of space between you and large vehicles.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Large Truck Accident Attorney in Indianapolis
Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Large Truck Accident Attorney in Indianapolis

How to Avoid Large Truck Accidents on the Road

Driving can be a dangerous activity, and large trucks present an even greater risk on the roads. Sharing the road with large commercial vehicles is unavoidable, but there are steps you can take to help increase your safety when driving around large trucks. Whether driver or trucker, following these 10 tips can help you avoid large truck accidents on the roadways:

1. Stay visible: Large truck drivers have large blind spots and not all truck drivers account for this, so it’s important to make sure you stay in their line of sight when driving around large trucks as much as you can.

2. Pay attention to the speed limit: It is a good idea to stick to the posted speed limit when driving around large trucks, since these vehicles take much longer than cars to stop and turn. This also helps other drivers on the road better anticipate your movements, reducing the chances of an accident.

3. Leave plenty of space: Give big trucks extra room while they are turning or changing lanes if you can. This can be difficult to do in heavy traffic, so if you find yourself stuck behind a large truck, pass it as quickly as possible once you have the chance using appropriate signals.

4. Pass with caution: Make sure there is plenty of time and space before attempting to pass huge trucks. Think about what would happen if the large truck driver suddenly wants to change lanes and does not appropriately use his or her mirrors first, and make sure you’re able to stop or slow down safely before passing large vehicles if possible.

5. Don’t tailgate: Follow large trucks at a safe distance and avoid tailgating them at all costs. If a large truck is going slower than the posted speed limit, don’t try to push them out of your way with your car.

6. Be aware of large truck blind spots: When driving around large trucks, be aware of the zones on either side and directly behind them where they cannot see other vehicles. Make sure to keep your distance from these areas and signal clearly when changing lanes or passing large trucks to reduce the chances of an accident.  Not all truck drivers use their mirrors appropriately.

7. Don’t cut large truck drivers off: Cutting off large truck drivers can be dangerous for both you and the large truck driver, so make sure you give them plenty of warning before you switch lanes in front of them.

8. Respect turn signals: Big trucks have large turning radiuses, so it is important not to attempt to pass large trucks when they are turning. Make sure to respect large truck drivers’ turn signals and wait until they have finished their turn before attempting to pass them.

9. Keep your eyes on the road: Large trucks take longer than standard vehicles and smaller trucks to stop and react, so it is important to pay attention when driving around large trucks. Avoid distractions such as texting or talking on the phone while driving near large trucks and keep your eyes focused on the road at all times.

10. Call a truck accident lawyer if you get into an accident: If you or someone you love has been injured in a large truck accident, contact a knowledgeable Indiana truck accident lawyer immediately for legal advice and assistance with filing a claim.  An experienced attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

How to Protect Yourself After a Large Truck Accident

Following these tips can help keep you safe when driving around large trucks. However, if you or someone you love is injured in a large truck accident, contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible for legal advice and assistance.  With their help, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.

Are you looking for an experienced civil litigation law firm to help you determine the best legal strategy to take after your large truck accident in Indiana? Contact Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients throughout the state, plus Indiana residents injured in other states. With our contingency-fee arrangement, you don’t pay a dime unless we recover an award for you.

Related Posts:

Who Do I Sue After Being Injured By a Semi-Truck?
Recurrent Types of Commercial Trucker Safety Violations
Top Causes of Large Truck Accidents in the United States

Defensive Driving Tips to Keep You Accident Free

There isn’t enough knowledge you can have when it comes to safe driving. The more you know, the safer you are, which means the safer others are around you as well. Continue below to review some of the most important defensive driving tips that will keep you and your passengers accident-free, and safe on the road. See the bottom of this blog for information about learning how to file a claim after being injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault.

Indianapolis IN Car Accident Lawyers
Indianapolis IN Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

How to be a Defensive Driver

You can always improve your skills as a safe driver on the road. One way to do this is to ensure you are always defensively driving. What is a defensive driver? Defensive driving is the practice in which drivers operate their vehicles with optimal safety and cautious driving techniques. A defensive driver follows all traffic rules and regulations, and also stays current on all factory scheduled maintenance for their vehicle. When your car is well cared for, it performs its best, which means it’s a safe vehicle to drive. As for your own driving, summon your drivers’ education knowledge, and then combine it with some new driving techniques to help you be a safer driver that avoids causing or being involved in accidents on the road.

Top Tips for Defensive Driving

☑ DO NOT DRIVE DISTRACTED

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of negligent car accidents, especially those that involve serious bodily harm or injury. Examples of distracted driving include driving when tired or fatigued, driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances that impair you, texting, eating, putting on makeup, sending emails, managing children in the backseat, rummaging through your purse, and anything else that requires you to take your eyes off the road for more than a second.

☑ NEVER TEXT AND DRIVE

As one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving, it is important to never send text messages on your mobile phone while operating a vehicle. Instead, opt for hands-free technology that allows you to have both hands on your steering wheel and your eyes on the road while still maintaining a conversation. Equally important, only prompt phone calls when you are at a red stoplight, pulled over on the side of the road, or parked.

☑ KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN OTHER CARS

If you recall your drivers’ education knowledge, you will remember that your instructor taught you to keep at least one car length’s distance between the car in front of you. Another way to think of this is by maintaining 3 to 4 seconds worth of space between the vehicle in front of you. This will give you plenty of time to brake in the case of a sudden stop or emergency.

☑ ALWAYS GO THE SPEED LIMIT

A defensive driver always follows the speed limit, and never goes over it under any circumstances. There is a reason why municipalities set speed limits on all roads, streets, and interstates. Not only are they for safety, but they allow vehicles to travel most efficiently with optimal safety. By maintaining the speed limit, you are being a safe driver.

☑ LEARN YOUR BLIND SPOTS AND SIGNAL

Almost every car has a blind spot where two, and it is your responsibility as a driver to learn these blind spots and keep an eye on them whenever you are switching lanes are making turns. Equally important, always be sure to use your turn signals to let other drivers and even pedestrians know what direction you’re traveling.

Are you recently injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. to speak with a seasoned attorney about your Indianapolis Indiana car accident injury. We serve clients all throughout the state, and require no initial or upfront lawyer fees.

You Should Also Read:

Common Distractions That Lead to Intersection Car Crashes
What You Need to Know About Car Accident Insurance and Injury Claims
How to Win a Car Accident Lawsuit

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The 5 Rules of Driving Safety for Teens

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

With so many new distractions made available to drivers these days, such as high-tech navigation systems and touch phones, you can never review safe driving tips with your teenagers enough. Not only can a car accident pose serious physical injuries and fatalities, they can also be devastating financially and emotionally as well. Even a simple tap on the fender can throw off your entire day and interrupt your schedule.

For these reasons and more, it is important to remind your teens how to avoid serious accidents and drive safe at all times. One quick conversation can have the power to prevent potential accidents and/or injuries in the future. Continue reading for a quick review of the top five rules of driving safety for adolescent drivers. And then discuss what you’ve learned over dinner with your loved ones!

Rule #5 – Don’t Speed!

Speeding is one of the number one causes of fatal car accidents in the country. Tell your teenagers it is better to be late than dead or seriously injured. Remind your teenagers that speeding will only get them to their final destination a few minutes sooner, making it unnecessary and unreasonable. You simply do not have full control over your 5 ton vehicle when you are speeding. Remind your teenagers that the speed limit is set for their safety and for the safety of others. It is important to keep the flow of traffic, but it is also important to obey the speed limit reasonably.

Rule #4 – Never Drive Aggressively or Tailgate

It is important for teens to understand that they cannot act recklessly while driving. Tailgating and following too closely behind other vehicles is unsafe. That is because drivers do not have enough time to stop if the car in front of them suddenly breaks. It also obstructs your view of being able to see what’s ahead of the car in front of you. Tailgating is the number one cause of fender bender’s in the country. Remind your teenage drivers to always signal and to always drive courteously.

Rule #3 – Steer Clear of Aggressive Drivers

It is important to educate your teenagers about the dangers of other drivers. As mentioned, they need to know that it’s not always themselves they have to worry about, it’s other drivers on the road as well. This is where defensive driving comes into play again. Teach them to steer clear and avoid drivers that appear to be aggressive or intoxicated. Switch lanes, make a turn, or pull over and park to keep it as much distance between them as possible. If they come across the driver who is honking repeatedly and harassing them while on the road, instruct them to pull over in cases like this and to call the police if they feel further threatened.

Rule #2 – Remain Focused and Alert

Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

As mentioned, there are lots of distractions made available to teenagers these days, like cell phones and stereos. But for teens, it is so easy to be distracted, and many believe they are great at multitasking. But the reality is that multitasking while driving is a serious hazard that often ends in accidents and/or injuries. Remind your teens to always be vigilant while behind the wheel of the car. Remind them that they may be a wonderful driver, but they can’t always trust everybody else on the road.

Teach them to always stay alert, and be on the lookout for aggressive or intoxicated drivers, road obstructions, traffic signs, pedestrians, and more. Defensive driving is a large part of safe driving. Here are some great tips to be a focused driver: Only use your cell phone at stop lights, pull over and park to use your phone, install a hands-free system.

The #1 Rule – NEVER DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Teenagers are bound to face tough decisions among their peers, namely in terms of substance use like alcohol or drugs. It is important to set boundaries early on with your kids, teaching them about the dangers of alcohol and drugs so they understand the devastating consequences of using them. When it comes time for your teens to get the driver’s license, it is important to review these facts and to instill in them how critical it is to always drive sober no matter what. Not only can you harm yourself while driving under the influence, you could potentially harm or kill another person, child, or infant. No one has the right to operate a vehicle while intoxicated. This is an important message to send to not only your children, but to everyone else as well.

If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a recent car accident, contact an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer right away to learn your rights to compensation.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys

Personal Injury Lawyers Indiana

Personal Injury Lawyers Indiana 317-881-2700

Call the law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 when you need an experienced car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned personal injury attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, have extensive litigation and trial experience. They will work around the clock to ensure you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after suffering injuries in a serious accident. We offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis.

Safe Driving Tips for Teenagers

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Drivers of all ages need to have knowledge of how to operate a vehicle safely. But when it comes to teenagers, it is important to instill the proper driving and traffic education while they are just starting out, so they will develop safe driving habits at a young age and use them for the rest of their driving careers. If you are parent or guardian to a licensed adolescent, be sure to educate them on the most important safe driving tips and keep them better protected from harm.

Continue reading to learn 5 safe driving tips that are imperative for teens to learn and remember.

Stay Alert

As a teen, it is so easy to get distracted no matter what you are doing. Unfortunately, driving is no different. Especially with the use of handheld devices, like cell phones and tablets, more and more people are leaning their attention away from the road when they shouldn’t be. For this reason, it is most important to always remain alert when you are behind the wheel of a vehicle. Place your cell phone, GPS system, makeup, mirror, and all other distractions aside while your car is in motion. This is not only important to prevent harming yourself, but also other drivers and pedestrians.

No Speeding

Of course kids want to go fast, but this is not okay when behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. It is important to teach your kids the importance of speed limits. A car that is moving too fast is more difficult to control, and will over-react to the smallest change in motion. Flipping, swerving, spin-outs, and more are all possible consequences of driving too fast and then trying to stop or change motion. Speeding is also a common reason for motor vehicle fatalities. Not only is speeding dangerous in general, it is even more hazardous on narrow roads or in rain, snow, ice, and at night.

Keep a Safe Distance

Kids are not only interested in going fast, they also want to get where they are going quickly. Rushing and speeding are different, and it is important to discuss this with your teen. Of course you should never speed, but you should never tailgate, drive to close, or roll through stops and turn-abouts either. Rushing like this will only get you to your destination a minute sooner, which is not worth the risk of causing an accident, or being ticketed by law enforcement.

Avoid Aggressive Drivers

Teenagers might not always recognize the danger in some situations, and aggressive drivers are one example. Explain to your teens that it is important to avoid aggressive drivers at all costs. This means vehicles that are swerving, honking, or harassing, as well as, vehicles that are driving too fast, attempting to illegally pass, or instigating a race. These are all dangerous scenarios that can cause a very serious car accident.

Avoid Intoxicated Driving

There is no excuse for driving under the influence. Not only can it jeopardize your life, it can put other lives in danger as well. Talk to your teen about driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol and prescription medications.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, contact a car accident lawyer right away. You could be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Attorney Indianapolis

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a car accident injury claim in Indianapolis, IN today. Attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are dedicated and determined to obtain the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve as an injured victim in a negligent accident. We offer free initial consultations, 24 hour phone services, and never charge attorney fees and less we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a consultation with a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN today.

Defensive Driving Tips to Avoid Aggressive or Careless Drivers and Traffic Accidents

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Motor vehicle accidents are terrible occurrences; whether they are a simple fender-bender, or a serious traffic collision. They disrupt our daily lives, cause emotionally stress, put a heavy load of financial obligations on our shoulders, re-arrange our planned agendas, and in worse-case-scenarios, cause serious physical and mental injuries, trauma, and fatalities.

The best way to avoid being a victim of a traffic accident or car wreck, is to learn how to drive defensively and safely at all times. You cannot control what others do, or the decisions they make behind the wheel of a car, but you can control your own behaviors and habits while on the road. Practicing defensive and alert driving can better prepare you for negligent and reckless drivers around you.

Continue reading to learn how to navigate safely on the road with other vehicles, and what to do in the case of a serious motor vehicle accident.

Driving Safety

Of course, the most important reminders for safe driving is always wear your seat-belt and obey all traffic signs, signals, and laws. Making sure you and your passengers are legally and securely strapped in their seat is the most important rule to driving. Without proper safety harnesses and belts, passengers and drivers can be ejected from their vehicles in a serious motor vehicle accident. This usually causes immediate fatalities. Wearing a seat-belt can prevent serious complications from whiplash, prevent injuries to the head, and much more.

Always wear your seat-belt no matter how good of a driver you claim to be. It is not always yourself that can cause an accident, it is others on the road. This is why defensive driving practice is so important. Of course you can trust your own decisions, but you cannot control how others drive around you. What you can control is how you react to reckless or careless drivers. Here are some safety tips and reminders for safer driving, and navigating around other seemingly negligent drivers on the road:

Concentrate and Focus

Always remain alert behind the wheel of your vehicle and constantly scan the road for reckless or aggressive drivers. Staying focused allows you to stay on track with road signs, signals, construction zones, and more. It will also allow you to see other drivers making reckless decisions before you approach their vicinity, and react ahead of time; which then allows you to better navigate around them and avoid a traffic accident. When you are in your car and driving, this shouldn’t just be your top priority, it should be your only priority. This means no multi-tasking behind the wheel.

Distracted driving is one of the top causes of fatal car crashes each year. Texting, phone calls, applying makeup, handing items to children in the back, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and more are all common reasons why drivers wreck their vehicles, and kill either themselves, their passengers, or other innocent bystanders and drivers. Stop this behavior if you are guilty! You do not have the right to put other innocent people in jeopardy because you believe you can multi-task behind the wheel of a car.

Never Tailgate

Road rage is quite common among people with anger control issues, or those who are consistently in a hurry to get from point A to point B, without regard for other drivers. And sometimes, people just like to drive fast and erratically. You cannot always predict what the driver in front of you is going to do, and you cannot always see what’s in front of the driver in front of you. For this reason, it is important to never tailgate or drive closely to someone’s tail-end. If they suddenly brake for a flock of geese crossing the road, you might not have enough time to react and stop; subsequently slamming into the person’s bumper. This can cause several injuries to the passengers and drivers in both vehicle, and result in costly insurance claims and automotive repairs.

Obey Speed Limits

This is a no-brainer. Speeding causes accidents that could have otherwise been avoided. Speed limits are set for a reason, and should always be obeyed no matter what. When a driver is speeding, they are putting themselves and others in a dangerous situation. High speeds reduces a driver’s ability to control the vehicle, and the slightest over-correction or move can send a speeding vehicle out of control. Speeding is almost always a variable in a motor vehicle accident or collision. It might not always be the cause of an accident, but it most certainly plays a part in many cases.

Be Well-Mannered

Being a courteous driver means you are not being an aggressive one. When another vehicle signals that they need into your lane, just let them in. Don’t be stingy about letting cars in front of you, or giving other vehicles a chance to pull out. And if another driver doesn’t let you in for some reason, let it go and move on. Failing to remain well-mannered on the road can cause other drivers to become aggressive and hostile.

Avoid Aggressive Drivers

Being cut off on the way home from a long day at work, or on your way to pick up an ill child from daycare, is quite frustrating, understandably. But these aggressive drivers should not be allowed to influence your mood for the rest of the day! When you see drivers navigating aggressively through traffic, or are noticeably in a hurry, keep your distance. Drivers like these are more likely to cause or be involved in an accident. Steering clear of dangerous drivers can reduce your chances of experiencing an auto accident.

If you or a loved one has been recently injured or killed as a result of a negligent driver or motor vehicle accident, contact an Indianapolis car accident attorney right away. Learn your rights after being injured in a motor vehicle accident, and have a professional assess your case to determine if you have a valid claim. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call 317-881-2700 to speak with a seasoned car accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can schedule a free initial consultation with licensed personal injury lawyer, Daniel Craven, to review your case and determine your eligibility for compensation. We never collect lawyer fees unless we win your case! Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for information about car accident injury claims in Indianapolis, IN today.