Ohio Tractor-Trailer Accidents: Tips To Be Safe Drivers

In 2009 alone, there were 200,000 Tractor-Trailer Accidents. Each year, 11 million tractor-trailers travel billions of miles across the nation delivering products to corporations and businesses in every state. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), tractor-trailers and other big rigs were involved in more than 280,000 accidents in 2009 alone. These accidents killed 3,000 people and injured 74,000 more.

Surprisingly, the majority of these accidents are not caused by tractor-trailer driver error or fatigue. In fact, data shows that 75 percent of these accidents are caused by the driver of the other vehicle, and most often, the driver or passengers of the other vehicle are seriously injured or killed in the accident. (https://www.truckinfo.net/trucking/stats.htm#Accident Statistics)

Tips to Avoid Tractor Trailer Accidents

Defensive driving techniques help keep you and your passengers safe when traveling on Ohio roadways. However, extra caution must be taken when sharing the road with tractor-trailers. Follow these tips to keep yourself and your passengers safe from tractor-trailer collisions.

• Be Aware – as a driver, you must be aware of the large blind spots that tractor-trailers and other big trucks have along the rear and sides of the vehicle. These blind spots prevent the driver from being able to see you during lane changes while merging into traffic and even during turns.
• Maintain Distance – stay 20 to 25 car lengths behind tractor-trailers and even more when going uphill in case the truck drifts backwards
• Wide Berths- give tractor-trailers extra space to swing wide when making turns, especially at intersections
• Visual indicators – give truck drivers advanced notice of lane changes and when passing. Use your turn signals and avoid abrupt driving maneuvers. Aggressive driving and abrupt lane changes can caused truck drivers to have to break hard, and possible lose control.
• Speed – drive at safe speeds and adjust your distance and speed during inclement weather to maximize braking responses
• Warnings – if your car breaks down, move it as far off the road as possible and warn traffic in both direction with flares and your hazard lights.
• Road Rage – avoid reacting to aggressive tractor-trailer drivers. Allow them to pass you and continue driving defensively

About The Cochran Firm – Ohio

The Cochran Firm – Ohio is an experienced full service, personal injury law firm with offices in Cincinnati and Dayton and handles personal injury cases throughout all of Ohio. Founded over 40 years ago by famed attorney, Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., The Cochran Firm – Ohio, has established itself as one of the premier personal injury law firms in the United States and has been recognized for delivering successful results to their clients across a broad range of claims stemming from car / auto accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, premises liability, and product liability lawsuits. For over 40 years, The Cochran Firm – Ohio’s team of experienced lawyers continually fight for justice for all its clients. If you’ve been injured call Ohio’s experienced full service law firm “The Cochran Firm – Ohio” today at 513-381-HURT.