Now that school is back in session it is a good time to talk about the risks involved in driving for drivers aged 17-24. And that is why the Missouri truck accident lawyers want to make everyone aware of a great public safety program called Teens and Trucks Share the Road. From St. Joseph to Kansas City to Columbia to Springfield and to Cape Girardeau and every Missouri road in between, tractor trailers and other large commercial trucks and buses are vital parts of our economy. A very large portion of this nation's goods are transported by truck.
Tractor trailer accidents are also a part of our Missouri roads. But did you know that 70% of traffic crashes involving large trucks with passenger cars is at the fault of the car driver? Most people see so many large trucks and tractor trailers on the roads that they take them for granted. They do not fully appreciate the size, weight, and lack of maneuverability of a tractor trailer or other large truck. From riding in blind spots and following too closely behind a large truck to cutting them off, car drivers create tractor trailer accidents.
Promote Teens and Trucks Share the Road to Reduce Truck Accidents
According to the World Health Organization, each year nearly 400,000 people under the age of 25 die each year on roads around the world. And traffic accident related injuries are the leading cause of death worldwide among people aged 10-24. What's more is that these young drivers unnecessarily endanger themselves by failing to recognize the differences between cars and large trucks.
Because of this the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, among many other partners, teamed up to create the Teens & Trucks Share the Road training program. You can order the training materials through the CVSA, read through a tips sheet, and view an instructional video. Take the time to visit this website and help reduce the number of truck accidents involving teen drivers in Missouri.
Missouri Teens and Trucks Safety Tips to Avoid a Truck Accident
- Do not cut off trucks. The stopping distance of a large truck can be 400 feet. A passenger car can stop in 5 feet or less depending on your traveling speed.
- Stay out of the truck's blind spots. Trucks have very large blind spots and it is difficult for the truck driver to see you.
- Keep a safe distance. Tailgating is never safe, especially the faster you are traveling. But following too close behind a tractor trailer or other large vehicle prevents you from seeing the road ahead and can prevent your ability to react in time to a road hazard.
- Trucks make wide turns. Never pass a truck on the right side when they have slowed down. They must first go wide left to turn right. And to turn left they must over-turn to clear objects on their left side. Wait until you know which way they are going.
Truck accidents are a sad part of commerce. But it is even sadder when they involve a teenager. Take the time to educate yourself or your teen about the dangers involved when driving around a tractor trailer or other large commercial truck or bus. It could save your life.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident in Missouri a truck accident lawyer may be a good idea. Missouri truck accident lawyers handle cases from southeast Missouri to Columbia, Joplin, Springfield, and Kansas City. Contact one of our offices and see if we can help.
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