Sharing the Road with Trucks: How to Prevent Truck Accidents

Driving near large trucks is a reality for everyone on the road. Whether commuting to work, traveling on the interstate, or driving through your neighborhood, you'll likely encounter tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles regularly. While most truck drivers are well-trained professionals, the sheer size and weight of these vehicles can make even a minor mistake deadly.

At Webster Vicknair Macleod, we’ve seen firsthand the devastation caused by preventable truck accidents. Those who share the road with trucks should be aware of various safety tips, the unique challenges of sharing the road with trucks, and how simple precautions can help reduce the risk of serious collisions.

Why Are Truck Accidents So Dangerous?

Truck accidents differ from standard car crashes due to the physical disparity between vehicles. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—20 to 30 times more than the average car. This difference affects everything from stopping distance to maneuverability.

Truck accidents often result in:

• Catastrophic injuries or fatalities
• Multi-vehicle pileups
• Extensive road closures and traffic delays
• High insurance and medical costs
• Permanent disability for survivors

Even low-speed crashes involving trucks can have serious consequences, especially when a smaller vehicle is trapped beneath or crushed by a trailer.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Understanding what causes truck accidents can help drivers take steps to prevent them. While truck drivers can and do make mistakes, crashes are often the result of interaction between both parties.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue: Long shifts and tight delivery deadlines can cause truckers to fall asleep at the wheel.
• Blind spot collisions: Trucks have large blind spots on all sides, particularly the right side and rear.
• Wide turns: Trucks need more space to complete turns, and nearby drivers often misjudge their movements.
• Following too closely: Trucks require more time and distance to stop. Sudden braking can lead to underride accidents.
• Lane changes or merging errors: Misjudging a truck’s speed or trying to squeeze past can result in side-swipe crashes.
• Poor road conditions or weather: Trucks may lose traction more easily and need longer distances to slow down.

While truck drivers have a legal duty to drive safely, other road users also play an essential role in preventing accidents.

How to Safely Share the Road with Trucks

To reduce the risk of a collision, drivers must adjust how they interact with commercial vehicles. Here are key tips for staying safe around big rigs:

Stay Out of Blind Spots

Large trucks have significant blind zones—often called “No Zones”—on all four sides. If you can't see the truck driver's face in their side mirror, assume they also can't see you.

• Avoid lingering in blind spots, especially beside or directly behind the trailer.
• When passing, do so quickly and safely on the left side where visibility improves.

Give Trucks Extra Space

Trucks need more room to stop and maneuver. Cutting in front of a truck can eliminate its braking cushion, putting everyone in danger.

• Always leave a generous following distance.
• Avoid braking suddenly after pulling in front of a truck.
• Give trucks plenty of room when they’re turning or merging.

Be Cautious During Lane Changes

Merging too closely in front of a truck is a risky maneuver. Trucks cannot react as quickly as smaller vehicles.

• Use your turn signal early.
• Make sure the truck is visible in your rearview mirror before moving over.
• Avoid changing lanes in heavy traffic near trucks unless absolutely necessary.

Watch for Wide Turns

Trucks often swing wide—sometimes using two lanes—to make a right turn.

• Never try to squeeze between a turning truck and the curb.
• Be patient and let the truck complete its turn before proceeding.

Don’t Tailgate

Following a truck too closely reduces your visibility and increases the risk of rear-end collisions.

• Keep a safe distance so you can see the truck’s side mirrors and have time to react.
• Remember that you could be seriously injured in an underride accident if you rear-end a trailer.

Be Predictable and Avoid Sudden Movements

Erratic driving—such as weaving in and out of lanes or making abrupt stops—can confuse other drivers, especially those operating large trucks.

• Drive defensively but predictably.
• Avoid distractions and stay focused on traffic patterns.

Respect Speed Limits and Road Conditions

Speeding increases stopping distance and reaction time.

• Adjust your speed based on weather, traffic, and road conditions.
• Be especially cautious around construction zones or during bad weather.

Report Dangerous Truck Driving

If you see a truck driver swerving, tailgating, speeding excessively, or engaging in any reckless behavior, do not hesitate to call local law enforcement.

• Take note of the truck’s license plate, company name, location, and direction of travel.
• Pull over safely before making the call or have a passenger report the behavior.
• Reporting dangerous driving can help prevent a serious or fatal crash.

Being proactive not only protects you but could save lives.

Additional Considerations for Nighttime or Highway Driving

Driving near trucks at night or on highways presents additional risks. Visibility is lower, and fatigue is more common among drivers.

• Use your headlights and keep them clean.
• Avoid using high beams directly behind or beside a truck. These can reflect in the truck's mirrors and impair visibility.
• Don’t assume the truck driver can see you—stay visible and alert at all times.

What To Do After a Truck Accident

Despite your best efforts, truck accidents can still happen. If you are involved in a collision:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Do not leave the scene.
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
• Take photos and collect contact information from witnesses.
• Avoid speaking to insurance companies without legal advice.

Due to the commercial nature of trucking operations, accident claims can be particularly complex and challenging. There may be multiple layers of insurance and liability. That’s why consulting with a law firm that understands the trucking industry and personal injury law is essential.

Why Truck Accident Claims Are So Complicated

Truck accidents often involve:

• Multiple liable parties: The driver, trucking company, maintenance provider, or cargo loader may all share responsibility.
• Federal regulations: Trucking companies must comply with rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
• Black box data: Most trucks have event data recorders (EDRs) that capture speed, braking, and engine activity before a crash.
• Corporate insurers: Trucking companies often have legal teams and insurers trained to reduce payouts and deflect blame.

Safety Is a Shared Responsibility

Truck drivers are trained to operate their vehicles with care, but they can’t control how others behave on the road. Every driver has a role to play in preventing truck accidents. By being aware of blind spots, giving trucks plenty of space, and driving defensively, you significantly reduce the risk of a devastating crash.

Small changes in driving behavior can significantly impact safety. If an accident does happen, knowing your rights and having legal representation can help protect your future.

Injured in a Truck Accident? We’re Here to Help

At Webster Vicknair Macleod, we help truck accident victims investigate what went wrong, identify every liable party, and pursue fair compensation. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a commercial truck collision, contact us online today to schedule your free consultation.

References

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. (n.d.-a). Driving safely around commercial motor vehicles [PDF]. U.S. Department of Transportation. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/ourroads/80251/driving-safely-around-cmvs.pdf
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. (n.d.-b). Regulations. U.S. Department of Transportation. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (n.d.). Event data recorder. U.S. Department of Transportation. https://www.nhtsa.gov/research-data/event-data-recorder