Some drivers may find it daunting to share the road with trucks and other bigger cars. It can be intimidating to drive near them since a collision with such vehicles may have fatal consequences.
Unsafe driving actions are contributing factors in most of the fatal truck collisions in the United States. This issue highlights the importance of educating drivers on how to share the road with bigger motor vehicles.
As a driver, you should learn the harmful habits that increase the risk of truck accidents. Avoiding these habits may help save you and other drivers from fatal collisions.
Driving habits to avoid
Aggressive driving is a dangerous habit that may lead to accidents on the road. This includes speeding, tailgating, suddenly braking in front of tailgaters and repeatedly flashing your headlights to other drivers.
Cutting off another vehicle and ignoring traffic signals are also examples of aggressive driving.
Getting distracted while behind the wheel is another dangerous habit. Using your phone takes away your attention from your task and makes you slower to react to emergencies on the road, which may lead to a collision.
Impaired driving is illegal in Illinois and has fatal and legal consequences. Drinking alcohol or taking medications before getting behind the wheel can blur your vision and slow your reaction time. These are some of the drugs that may compromise your driving abilities:
- Cold remedies
- Pain relievers
- Mood-altering drugs
- Antihistamines
- Amphetamines
You may face charges if authorities pull you over and your blood has traces of a controlled substance or other intoxicating compounds.
Lower the risk of truck accidents
By learning the correct way to share the road with trucks, you may lower the risk of a collision. Watching your speed and avoiding distractions may also help keep you and others safe on the road.
Those who cause truck accidents through negligent driving may face legal repercussions and be required to pay compensation to those injured in the crash.