I believe it is important to regularly review safety rules related to semi trucks on the road. Please heed the following advice.
1. When you pass a semi truck on the highway always pass on the left side and do not linger beside the truck - otherwise you may be in their blind spot.
2. Never tailgate a semi truck - again they may not be able to see you (for that matter never tailgate at all!)
3. Trucks that are hauling hazardous material must perform a complete stop at all railroad crossings.
4. Semi trucks have eighteen tires that may be problematic. If a tire blows it does so with such force that the flying pieces can cause damage to anything in its path.
5. Watch out for semi trucks parked on the side of the road they can be unexpected and can kill.
6. Be aware if a truck in front of you is turning do not try to pass it until the turn is complete because the driver may not be able to see you.
7. Remember the size of a truck causes it to be slow to start and slow to stop. Give them wide berth on the roadways.
8. Use your turn signals to allow the truck driver to know your intentions. Be sure to turn them off when done to prevent confusion.
9. Be patient. The size of semi trucks makes it understandable that moving them is cumbersome for even the best drivers out there.
As always, be careful and courteous out there.
Greg Baumgartner is a Houston 18 wheeler accident lawyer and the managing attorney in the Baumgartner Law Firm- Houston's preeminent 18 wheeler accident law firm.
