Semi trucks can be extremely dangerous to drivers sharing the road with them. This shouldn't be new news to you, though. Their sheer size makes them difficult for the driver to maneuver, but they can also be tricky to maneuver around, for smaller vehicles with which they occupy the road. As a simple rule, for being safe on the road, we'd like to tell you to just plain avoid semi trucks, but as you well know, this is practically impossible. Driving along side them part of life.According to the US Department of Transportation, only about 2 percent of auto accident fatalities each year, are truck drivers. Likewise, when a truck is involved in an accident, 98% of the time, it's the people in smaller vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists that perish. Does this surprise you? It shouldn't. Driving near semi trucks can be extremely dangerous, so it's vital to know how to handle these different types of scenarios.What are the common situations that often result semi truck accidents? These accidents take place both on rural highways, as well as in more congested settings. In no particular order, here are a few:Tired DriverTruck driving may seem like a pretty easy job - get to a particular destination on time; with all of the goods you're carrying along, still intact. Well, easier said than done. Although the task may seem rather simple, making a strict deadline often requires driving very long hours across the country, on very little sleep. This lack of sleep in truck drivers, often results in them nodding off while they're driving. Perhaps you've even seen it, while passing one on the highway.Unfortunately, truck drivers often feel as though they're too big for their britches, and end up driving, even when they're absolutely exhausted. Upon the driver nodding off for too long, it can easily result in the truck veering out of their lane, and either off the road, or into other lanes, potentially colliding with other vehicles. In 2008, The US Department of Transportation, reported that 68 percent of fatal truck accidents happened in rural areas. These are areas in which it is easier for a truck driver to nod off. After all, they figure that all they have to do is keep the wheel straight down the straight-away, so they let tend to let their guard down a bit more.As one who has to share the road with trucks regularly, unfortunately, there's really not much you can do about this, expect when at all possible, look to see how alert the truck driver next you might be. If he does appear to be nodding off, loudly honk your horn, signal for him to get of the road, and promptly drive ahead of him or her.Blind Spot AccidentsMany truck accidents are caused because the truck driver literally cannot see all of the other cars surrounding him or her. That's because the prospect of driving a truck gives you several blind spots. Truck drivers are actually faced with the task of driving with 3 different blind spots. There is a blind spot in front of the truck, which is encompasses the lane the truck is in. Similarly, there is also a blind spot right in back of the truck, and one right beside the trucks right-side door.So, it only makes sense that those who drive in these particular areas will increase their chances of getting into a semi truck-related accident. It's definitely advised that you don't drive directly in front of a truck, directly behind a truck or to the trucks right side for an extended period of time. If you must drive near the truck, drive on the left side, as this is the position in which the driver can see you most easily.Changing Lanes QuicklyChanging lanes suddenly and rapidly in front of a semi truck is another way to cause an accident. Changing lanes sudden in front of a vehicle, is certainly not the safest maneuver to perform on the road, but doing it in front of a semi truck is exponentially dangerous. Why? Well, of course, because as we mentioned, there's a major blind spot right in front of the truck; and two, because trucks are so heavy, they carry with them lots of momentum. That means it's quite a bit more difficult for truck drivers to slam on the brakes and get there vehicles to stop promptly, than someone driving a regular 4-door sedan, for instance. Simply put, this maneuver is definitely ill advised.Wet And Icy ConditionsIt should be no surprise to you that wet and icy conditions can make driving a semi truck, extremely hazardous. You think maintaing control over 4 wheels is difficult in bad weather? Imagine 18! When it's raining, snowing, or there's ice on the road, and you're driving near a truck, make sure you give them 4 to 6 seconds worth of space. If they have to make a sudden move, hopefully you'll be far enough away to avoid any close calls or catastrophes.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the year 2000 saw more than 20 percent of fatal accidents occurring during poor weather conditions. This is certainly a significant percentage.Passing On A Truck's Right TurnNever, ever pass a truck, when the truck is turning right. In order to make right turns, trucks must begin to steer wide to the left in order to properly and safely make a right turn. It's important to note that the rear wheels take a shorter path than the front wheels. If you try to pass a truck in this circumstance, you could very easily get side swiped by it swinging wide to the left.Failing To Look At The Truck's Turn SignalMany trucking accidents happen because nearby drivers simply aren't paying enough attention to a truck's signaling. For instance, if the truck seems to be getting ready to make a left turn, look which way the driver is signaling, prior to passing the truck on the right. Every so often, you'll come across truck drivers who fail to use their turn signal, either out of laziness or forgetfulness. Either way, keep a watchful eye on where it is they might be turning.Entrance RampsToo many people aren't cautious enough when using entrance ramps to get on the expressway. They often think that the vehicles already on the expressway will adapt their speed and position to allow them to seamlessly get on the road. Surprisingly, some drivers do adapt, however, others don't.Even if a truck driver wanted to allow these impatient drivers to enter seamlessly, managing their 70-ton vehicles just won't allow them to. Impatient drivers face a real hazard on entrance ramps, if they fail to adapt to these large tractor-trailers, already making their way down the road at super fast speeds.Failure to Maintain Your VehicleThere is, of course, nothing you can do about the truck driver's failure to maintain his vehicle, but there's a lot you can do to maintain your own. We shouldn't have to tell you that regular vehicle maintenance is key to your not having to suddenly pull over to the side of the road, or get off at the nearest exit. Regularly check your brakes and tires, and make sure that your seatbelts and airbags are always ready to do their respective jobs.Whenever you're driving down the road, and feel as though you're near a situation where a trucking accident might very well occur, be sure to notify the local authorities. For instance, if you see a truck driver who cannot seem to stay in his or her lane, or a truck driver who seems to be tailgating another driver, this is certainly a valid reason to contact the authorities. If there is one rule that can sum up properly driving around trucks, it's "don't do it." Of course, this isn't possible. Driving near semi trucks is virtually unavoidable, but if at all possible, stays clear of their immediate surroundings.Although there are obviously safe practices for driving near semis, keeping a decent distance from them will definitely reduce your chances of getting in a truck-related accident.
