As a driver, it can feel intimidating sharing the road with bigger, more powerful vehicles. It can be especially overwhelming if you’re driving alongside a semi-truck. However, there’s no reason to be afraid. With a bit of focus and precautionary measures, you can easily avoid the need for a car accident attorney. 

3 Tips for Passing or Driving Around Semis

1. Avoid Blind Spots

You’ve likely seen a sign on the side mirror of a semi-truck that usually says something along the lines of “If you can’t see me, I can’t see you.” This is referring to the driver’s blind spot, or the areas surrounding them in which they can’t see other drivers or vehicles. Try to avoid staying in these spots, as this will prevent a collision in the event you and the truck driver try to merge into the same lane simultaneously.

2. Maintain Two Cars’ Worth of Distance

Semi-trucks use an exceptional amount of horsepower. As such, it can take as much as 525 feet before they are able to come to a full stop. If you’re trailing too close behind, and the driver suddenly hits the brakes, you could rear-end them.

To avoid this issue, leave at least two cars’ worth of distance between you and the truck. This will provide ample time for you to merge or slow down if the truck suddenly comes to a stop. If you need to pass them, try to merge two lanes over to avoid winding up in their blind spot. If you end up in front of them, as safely as you can, try to speed up to maintain a safe distance of about 20 feet, or roughly a car and a half’s worth.

3. Give Them Room to Turn

Trucks require a significant amount of space to make a left or right turn safely. Car accident attorneys advise that you give about 19'4” of space on the inside and 40'-40'10” on the outside of a semi’s trailer for them to clear the action. Once you see the truck activate their turn signal, slow down to give them adequate space and do not try to pass them before they turn. If you can safely do so, you might need to back up or stop the car to give them room to complete their turn. 

Even with proper precautions, crashes can still happen, so when they do, you need an experienced car accident attorney representing your needs. That’s where Ely, Bettini, Ulman, Rosenblatt, & Ozer, Attorneys at Law in Phoenix, AZ, comes in. For over 50 years, these knowledgeable attorneys have provided residents throughout Maricopa County with top-quality guidance and advocacy. Visit their website to learn more about their practices, and call (800) 303-2144 to schedule a consultation.