The Two Sides of Truck Driving

We here at Zanes Law have been talking a lot about truck driving…

More specifically, truck driving accidents.

We posted an article about the devastating effects of truck driving accidents and the importance of finding an attorney to consult with immediately afterwards.

Then we turned to Facebook to ask the question:

How do you feel when driving next to a semi-truck?

Many of you had a lot to say about fear…

Fear of not being seen…

Anxious of being too close…

Fear of getting run off the road…

Terrified of being hit as they turn…

Fear of being in their blind spot…

The list was long but it was all consistent and came down to one thing

DON’T HIT US!

But then our Truck Driving Zanes Fans weighed in and gave us some seriously helpful insight into truck driving and how to remain SAFE!

One of truck drivers hopes that we as drivers consider the amount of time and distance is required to stop a vehicle that size…

Another driver states: “I’ve noticed that a lot of drivers don’t realize that if you can’t see us in our mirrors then that’s just it….we can’t see you either.”

One driver point to the dangers of riding along side semi trucks..

He highlights a very scary reality of one of the truck’s tires blowing out and hitting the car riding along side it…

These things can result in severe injuries and often death.

Many of our truck drivers stressed the importance of non-truck drivers being equally alert as the semi-truck drivers

“I think the average driver should watch the same safety orientation videos we watch as truck drivers,” states one retired truck driver. “It puts into perspective what we see and what they see.”

Here’s what Non-Truck Driver’s Need to Do:

1. Get Your Own Space: If you are driving next to a Semi-Truck, DON’T. As soon as you can, steer clear from being next to the truck.

2. Drive Far Behind Them: In other words, do not follow close behind. Zanes Law has dealt with countless deaths because cars get crushed under semi-trucks.

3. Let Them Pass: As soon as you see a semi-truck needing to switch lanes, then it’s likely they must – so let them! Don’t try racing past them. It’s likely they cannot see you!

4. No Sudden Moves: It takes a much longer time for several tons of weight to stop or slow down than your toyota or even your pickup truck. So if you are switching lanes, remember to do it well in advance of the semi-truck.

5. REMEMBER: If you can’t see the truck driver in their own rear view mirrors, then they can’t see you either!

In order to make driving safer, we all have to be PRESENT in our driving. We need to adhere to the rules that apply to the vehicles we are operating both commercial and noncommercial.

Remember, that slogan for bike riders: SHARE THE ROAD… It applies to all of us!

Drive Safe Everyone!

Doug Zanes: Founding Attorney Raised in Douglas, Arizona, and went to college at Arizona State University and graduated from law school at St. Mary’s University School of Law in Texas. Doug began practicing law in Phoenix Arizona in 1997.