Sharing the Road with Commercial Trucks in South Dakota

If you drive on the highways in South Dakota, you probably encounter commercial trucks that are delivering goods to consumers across the nation at all hours of the day. Driving safely around large trucks is crucial for everyone sharing the road, as wrecks involving 18-wheelers can be devastating.

Large trucks operate differently than cars in their capacities and maneuverability, and knowing this can help prevent collisions.

Braking

Large trucks take twice the time and distance to stop than cars, so avoid moving in front of a large truck and suddenly stopping or slowing down. If you don't, the driver of the truck won't be able to stop quickly enough to avoid hitting you.

Truckers' Blind Spots

Large trucks have a number of blind spots in spite of their height, causing a dangerous situation if the drivers of other vehicles assume that a truck driver can see them. Generally speaking, if you cannot see the truck driver in his or her side mirror, then he or she cannot see you.

Turning

When any vehicle makes a turn, the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels. The longer the vehicle, the greater is the difference in the turning path. This is why big-rig drivers must often swing wide to complete a right turn. When you follow a large truck, look at its turn signals before you start to pass. If the truck appears to be turning left, check the turn signals again. The driver may actually be turning right but first swinging wide.

Maneuverability

Large trucks and trailers are much more limited in their maneuverability than passenger vehicles, as they are designed for the transportation of products. They have longer stopping and starting distances, take more space for turns, and weigh more than passenger vehicles.

Driving safely around 18-wheeled vehicles takes being aware of how they operate and taking the necessary precautions to avoid a wreck. If you have been in a South Dakota truck accident that was not your fault, you should call an experienced attorney to ensure that you receive fair compensation.

For more information about your legal rights, or to schedule a free consultation if you have been injured, you should call us right away. Our experienced attorneys can give you the information that you need to take immediate action.

Call Zimmer, Duncan & Cole today at (888) 733-2992, or fill out the form on this page.