If you’re planning an end of summer or early fall road trip take a moment to learn more about one of the most dangerous types of crashes and how you can avoid being involved in one.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) there are twelve million commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) registered to operate on U.S. roadways. CMVs often travel along major highways and routes that lead to popular vacation destinations, like the Jersey shore. Drivers of CMVs generally face a number of challenges, including large blind spots, long stopping distances, and limited maneuverability.
Given the challenges associated with operating a CMV, and the high likelihood of a serious injury/death in the event of a crash, we urge you to take a few simple actions offered by FMCSA:
1. Stay out of blind spots , also known as ‘no zones’: As a general rule of thumb, if you can’t see the driver in the truck’s side mirror, assume that the driver can’t see you.
2. Pass Safely: Make sure you can see the driver in the mirror before passing, and always use your signal.
3. Don’t cut into traffic: Cutting off a commercial bus or truck can be very dangerous.
4. Stay Back, by tailgating you are putting yourself in a dangerous position: If you are unable to stop quickly you could easily slide under the truck.
5. Anticipate wide turns: Never try to squeeze by a truck or bus with it’s turn signal on.
While tractor-trailer crashes are undoubtedly more dangerous than other types of collisions, there is a much smaller culprit that causes more than a million crashes each year: deer. Your chances of encountering a deer in the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens or Brooklyn is relatively low, but once you venture outside of the city you’ll find deer lining major roadways throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and surrounding states.
Here are a few tips for avoiding a deer-related crash:
- Data shows deer-related car crashes peek in November, it is imperative that drivers take caution and keep an eye out for deer.
- More often than not deer travels in groups, if you see one deer you should assume there are more nearby.
- If you see a deer slow down but avoid swerving. Swerving to avoid a deer could cause you to lose control and crash into another vehicle.
Remember that we all have certain responsibilities as drivers: be patient, buckle up, stay focused, and never drive fatigued or while under the influence. If you were involved in a bus or truck accident contact us today.
Jacoby & Meyers LLP NY’s truck accident lawyers will help you determine which legal route is best for your case. It is crucial in truck accidents that victims seeking compensation determine their legal options before the statute of limitations passes on their case.
Call 877-504-5562 or contact us online here.