St. Petersburg Drivers: Stay Safe While Driving Around Eighteen-Wheelers With These Tips
Michael Babboni
Trucking Accidents
Have you ever been next to a tractor-trailer on I-175 or another road in St. Petersburg? If so, there's a good chance that you were probably pretty intimidated. These trucks are much larger than typical passenger vehicles. They are also much heavier, especially when they have trailers that are loaded down.Therefore, when eighteen-wheeler versus passenger vehicle accidents happen, the latter often take the brunt of the punishment. Then, even in cars with the latest technology and safety features, participants are left with severe injuries. The types of damages vary from one incident to the next but tend to include things such as:
- Fractures/Broken Bones
- Organ Damage
- Lacerations/Punctures
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Paralysis
- Loss Of Limbs
But of course, people don't only get hurt in accidents with big rigs. They also lose their lives in the events. In 2020 alone, research states that 4,014 individuals were killed in these crashes across the country. With outcomes like these, it's no surprise that St. Petersburg drivers want to avoid truck accidents. These tips may be able to help you if that describes you to a T.
Get Out Of No Zones
Eighteen-wheelers and other large vehicles have no zones. These are blind spots where operators cannot or might not be able to see cars. Obviously, you won't always be able to stay out of the areas. For instance, you might have to pass a truck at some point where the only way to do that is by entering a no zone. However, you should make it a point to accelerate and get out of the spots as soon as possible.
Now, it is time to address where the no zones are located. The first 20 feet within the front of a truck is a no zone. The left lane and two right lanes next to large vehicles are also no zones. Meanwhile, so is the first 30 feet behind commercial trucks. Stay out of these zones when you can, or get out of them as quickly as possible to avoid accidents.
Don't Drive Aggressively
It can be tempting to drive right up to the rear-end of a tractor-trailer that feels like it's doing 30 miles-per-hour below the speed limit in front of you. However, as mentioned above, the operator won't be able to see your vehicle if you get too close. So, the only thing you'll really be doing is putting yourself at an increased risk of a crash if the trucker has to slam on the brakes.
Others like to weave in and out of the lane so truck operators can see their impatience. This is problematic because it takes their minds off important tasks like shifting gears, steering, etc. Then, accidents are born. Thus, if your objective is to avoid truck accidents in St. Pete, avoid driving aggressively. Wait to pass until it is safe to do so in a passing zone. Other than that, take a deep breath, be patient, and enjoy the open road.
Avoid Pesky Distractions
Distractions that take our attention away from the St. Petersburg streets come in different shapes and sizes. For example, some individuals get distracted by their radios or passengers. However, cell phones are some of the biggest distractions of all. Don't merely take our word for it, though. Simply Insurance reveals that approximately 390,000 injuries occur from accidents involving texting and driving annually. So, avoid distractions while driving, period. That can keep your attention where it's supposed to be and help stop eighteen wheeler accidents in their tracks.
Have you been injured in a tractor trailer accident in St. Petersburg because of negligence? If the answer is yes, you might have the grounds to seek compensation for your damages.