Car accidents happen every day on Denver area roads and highways, and in many cases, drivers and passengers suffer severe injuries. As Denver auto accident lawyers, we are experienced in helping our clients to maximize their recovery following a car crash. To help protect you and your loved ones while driving, particularly when sharing the roadway with large trucks and buses, we recommend following these ten rules of the road. Large trucks and buses have huge blind spots on all four sides, long stopping distances and limited maneuverability that make it vital for other drivers on the road to focus on safety.
Stay Out of Blind Spots
If you cannot see the driver in the vehicle side mirror, you should assume the driver cannot see you. Avoid driving in a blind spot; instead, slow down or move ahead to stay visible and take extra care when merging.
Pass Safely
Make sure that you can see the driver in the vehicle mirror. Signal clearly, then move into the left lane and accelerate so that you can get past the truck or bus safely and pass promptly. Do not linger in the blind spot. Make sure the truck or bus is visible in your rearview mirror before you pull in front of it, giving it extra space.
Do Not Cut it Close
It’s especially dangerous to cut off a commercial bus or truck. If you move in quickly, you will likely be in a blind spot. Even if you are visible, the vehicle may not be able to slow quickly to avoid a crash because of the amount of time it takes to stop.
Stay Back
Tailgating a truck or bus puts you in a blind spot. Because trucks are high off the ground, your vehicle could slide (or get pushed) under a truck in a crash. Stay back when stopped, particularly on an upgrade, where a bus or truck might rollback.
Anticipate Wide Turns
Buses and trucks need extra turning room; they swing wide or may start a turn from a middle lane. Never try to squeeze by or get between a turning vehicle and the curb. Never “block the box” at an intersection or stop in front of the line, so buses and trucks can turn safely.
Be Patient
Trucks and buses need time to accelerate and sometimes use technology like speed limiters. Honking, driving aggressively, or weaving through traffic can cause dangerous distractions and crashes.
Buckle Up
Wearing a seat belt is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to save lives. Make sure children always ride in the back seat, buckled up or in car seats.
Stay Focused
If you need to attend to anything except driving, get off the road and stop. Distracted driving is as dangerous as driving while impaired.
Do Not Drive Fatigued
Take regular breaks, ask another driver to relive you, or get off the road and find a safe place to rest.
Never Drive Under the Influence
Alcohol and other drugs impair judgment and reaction time. Prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may cause dizziness, sleepiness and/or slow reaction time. If your medication carries a warning, have someone else drive or use other transportation.
How Our Denver Auto Accident Lawyers Can Help You
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident and you are considering a personal injury lawsuit, we welcome you to contact us, by email or phone at 303-333-8000 to schedule a free consultation.
