Five Ways Motorcyclists Can Safely Share the Road with Trucks

Through my years as a leader trucking accident attorney at The Gooch Firm, P.C. I have firsthand accounts of the dangerous and unforgiving nature of a commercial truck collision. Tragically, it should come as no surprise that most large trucking accidents result in death. There is an even larger and more impending danger for those who ride motorcycles. Motorcycles have the highest fatality rate per unit of distance of any motor vehicle. Motorcyclists are the most vulnerable drivers on the road. Drivers must take extra caution when tractor-trailers, or semi-trucks, also occupy the road. Because of their small size they are hard to see, they also have virtually no padding or safety precautions for drivers. It is for this reason that I have gathered some safety tips for operators of motorcycles to protect themselves.

Be Aware of Trucks' Blind Spots

Motorcycles are small, and sometimes virtually impossible for a truck driver to see. Simply put, commercial truck drivers have an extremely limited view of the road. Due to the height and length of the trailer behind the cab, the blind spot or "no-zone" on a truck is larger than most drivers realize and far more extensive than that of any car or motorcycle.

Avoid Truck Tire Remnants

A safe motorcyclist always watches for debris in the road, but on busy interstates there can be an excessive amount of rubber leavings from semi-truck tires that have blown, especially in the summer. Maintain a safe following distance so you have time to react to any debris in the road that you may not see if another vehicle is in front of you. There is also the additional danger of a truck tire blowing and sending rubber flying when a motorcyclist is in the vicinity.

Pass Trucks with Extra Caution on a Curve

Truck drivers and carriers are trained to properly load commercial trucks so that their cargo is evenly distributed, however accidents happen and when cargo is not properly loaded there can be an imbalance in the truck. When a truck's center of gravity is thrown off, it may result in a serious rollover or jackknife accident. This is most likely to occur on a sharp curve, especially if the truck driver is also speeding. Give trucks room on curves, particularly sharp ones, and pass on the next straightaway. There is no way to know that the truck's cargo was negligently loaded until it is too late.

Be Aware of Trucks' Stopping Distance

Trucks require much more space and time to stop than other vehicles due to their vast weight. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and take 100 yards to stop. If you absolutely must make a sudden stop without giving the truck behind you enough room, try to move to the side or get out of the way, as a rear-end from a tractor-trailer is almost guaranteed to be fatal.

Remember safety first, be careful and act like your life is in your own hands, because on a motorcycle it is. If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial trucking accident contact The Gooch Firm today.