Summer Road Trip? Four Ways To Reduce Maryland Truck Accident Risks
Semi-trucks, tankers, and other big rigs rely on major routes throughout Maryland to deliver products and goods across the United States. These same roads are heavily traveled by motorists on summer road trips. If you are planning on traveling by car with your family this season, our Maryland truck accident attorneys want you to be aware of potential hazards and offer tips to help reduce accident risks.
Maryland Truck Accidents Pose Serious Risks
According to the National Safety Council, close to ten percent of all motor vehicle accidents in Maryland involve large trucks. Truckers routinely rely on major roads throughout the state, such as I-95 and the 270. This can pose serious risks to other motorists, particularly in the summer months when traffic is heavier.
If you are planning to take a road trip at any point over the summer, be aware of how truck accidents in Maryland typically occur:
- Jackknife truck accidents, which occur when the driver brakes suddenly, and the trailer swings out alongside the cab;
- Truck rollover accidents, common due to uneven loading and speeding around sharp curves;
- Truck sideswipe crashes, which can happen when passing;
- Head-on collision accidents, which often occur due to highway exits or entrances.
Four Tips To Prevent Maryland Truck Accidents
Trucks are massive machines and difficult to navigate. Unfortunately, considering the large size of most big rigs, the slightest error or mistake on the part of the trucker can impact multiple other drivers. To reduce the risks of being involved in a Maryland truck accident, follow these tips:
- Be aware of trucking no-zones.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) warns that trucks have large blind spots, referred to as no-zones, in front of, behind, and on either side of their rigs. Driving in these areas is dangerous and causes you to disappear from the driver’s view.
- Give truckers plenty of space to navigate.
Truckers take up more space on the road. Avoid tailgating, move out of their way going downhill, and give them plenty of room when making turns or navigating curves.
- Avoid cutting truckers off in traffic or when passing.
Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Truckers cannot brake or slow their rigs like other motorists, so avoid cutting them off when traveling.
- Be alert for common warning signs of trouble.
Pay attention at all times when driving and be alert for warning signs of truck accidents, such as sudden braking, blaring horns, and weaving in and out of lanes.
Contact Our Maryland Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck accidents in Maryland pose serious risks during the summer months and can cause devastating personal injuries. Berman, Sobin, Gross LLP helps victims and their families get the compensation they need to recover. To request a consultation, contact our Maryland accident attorneys today.
Sources:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/data-details/
newsroom.aaa.com/2024/05/memorial-day/
fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/ourroads/80251/driving-safely-around-cmvs.pdf
