By Dan Noll on February 2nd, 2025 in Articles
Springfield Trucking Accident Lawyers Share the Top 5 Safety Tips for Sharing the Road With Trucks
Commercial trucks are essential to the American economy, transporting over 70% of all freight across the United States and playing an important role in Illinois. However, the Springfield trucking accident lawyers at the Noll Law Office know that these massive vehicles present significant safety challenges on our nation’s highways – including right here in Illinois and more locally in Springfield. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large commercial vehicles like big rigs and semi-tractor trailers cause almost 6,000 traffic fatalities every year across the nation. In Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reports approximately 22,000 traffic accidents involving single unit or semi-tractor trailer trucks, which result in roughly 200 fatalities and 3,5000 injuries. Sadly, the overwhelming majority of these truck wrecks will result in significant lost wages, medical bills, and catastrophic pain and suffering.
That’s why the skilled legal team at the Noll Law Office offers victims and their families free case evaluations and consultations to learn more about their rights to compensation under Illinois law. Their Springfield trucking accident lawyers can answer your questions to ensure that your rights to compensation are protected and that you recover the compensation that you need and deserve. To learn more about how their personal injury law firm can help you and your family, contact them together to schedule your free consultation.
Top 5 Safety Tips for Sharing the Road With Trucks
There are many safety tips for sharing the road with trucks that all drivers should be aware of and follow. This includes things like following the traffic laws and driving as a defense driver – especially around semi-tractor trailers and other large vehicles. However, there are some safety tips that are particularly important and necessary for everyone to follow around trucks that could help avoid a truck accident or prevent service harm in the event of a trucking accident.
Some of the top 5 safety tips for sharing the road with trucks that the Springfield trucking accident lawyers at the Noll Law Office want you to know include the following:
1) Maintain a Safe Following Distance
One of the most crucial aspects of sharing the road with commercial trucks involves maintaining proper distance. The average fully loaded tractor-trailer requires significantly more stopping distance than a passenger vehicle, even in ideal conditions. This distance increases significantly in adverse weather conditions or when traveling at higher speeds, heavier loads, or less-than-perfectly maintained tires or braking systems.
Professional truck accident lawyers in Springfield recommend maintaining at least a four-second following distance when driving behind a commercial truck. This buffer zone not only provides adequate stopping time but also ensures the truck driver can see other vehicles in their mirrors. Additionally, maintaining proper distance helps prevent underride accidents, which occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear of a truck and slides underneath the trailer.
2) Stay Out of Blind Spots
Trucks are huge and, although you can see them, they cannot necessarily see you – despite them generally having a better vantage and mirror system. That’s because commercial trucks have significantly larger blind spots than passenger vehicles, often referred to as “No Zones.” These blind spots extend approximately 20 feet in front of the cab, 30 feet behind the trailer, one lane width to the right side running the length of the truck, and two lane widths to the left side at the cab area. Passenger vehicle drivers must remain vigilant about avoiding these dangerous areas.
Generally, the best way to ensure that you do not hide in a blind spot or sneak past a truck driver is to ensure that he or she sees you. That means if you can see the actual driver (the person in the driving seat), he or she can generally see you. But if you cannot see the driver at all, he or she may not be able to see you – and you should always assume that the driver hasn’t seen you or does not know you are there.
Thus, when passing a truck, drivers should complete the maneuver promptly and efficiently, ensuring they can see the entire front of the truck in their rearview mirror before merging back into the lane. Furthermore, drivers should never linger alongside a commercial truck, as this position presents one of the highest risks for serious accidents.
3) Practice Proper Passing Techniques
Passing a commercial truck requires special consideration and careful execution. Drivers should always pass on the left side of the truck, where the blind spot is smaller. Before initiating a pass, ensure there is sufficient room ahead to complete the maneuver without cutting off the truck. Acceleration should be steady and maintained throughout the passing procedure to minimize time spent alongside the vehicle. Signal intentions clearly and early, allowing the truck driver to anticipate the movement.
Most importantly, never attempt to pass a truck that is turning, backing up, or changing lanes, as these maneuvers require additional space and attention from the truck driver. This includes trying to overtake a truck where the truck may be actually slowing down to turn into the lane you are trying to pass in. If you are particularly concerned when passing, you can also give a short and light honk to indicate that you are passing. Once you pass, it would be a courtesy in that situation to also wave or flash your lights twice which is customary to say “thank you” to a driver for allowing them to overtake them (i.e., instead of honking to be aggressive).
4) Anticipate Wide Turns at Every Turn
Large commercial vehicles require significantly more space to execute turns, particularly right turns. Truck drivers often need to swing wide to the left before making a right turn, which can confuse other drivers and lead to serious accidents. Never attempt to squeeze between a turning truck and the curb, as this space is needed for the trailer to complete the turn safely. Watch for turn signals on trucks and give them plenty of room to complete their maneuvers. Understanding that trucks may need to use multiple lanes to turn safely helps prevent dangerous situations at intersections and other turning points. This rule applies in the city and local areas of Springfield, but also on highways when a truck is merging sharply for an exit, lane change, or in traffic.
5) Exercise Patience and Avoid Aggressive Driving
The Springfield trucking accident lawyers at the Noll Law Office know that aggressive driving behaviors are particularly dangerous when sharing the road with commercial trucks. These include tailgating, sudden lane changes, cutting off trucks, or speeding up to prevent a truck from changing lanes. Commercial vehicles operate under different constraints than passenger vehicles, including speed limiters, weight restrictions, and strict safety regulations. Truck drivers must carefully manage their speed on hills and through curves, which may occasionally slow other traffic. Patient, considerate driving helps maintain safe conditions for everyone on the road.
Understanding and accepting these limitations can prevent dangerous situations caused by frustration or impatience. It is also important to recognize that, although many truck drivers are exceptional drivers and very experienced operators, some are newer drivers and may be learning, and therefore may require greater patience
Injured in a Truck Wreck in Illinois? The Springfield Trucking Accident Lawyers at the Noll Law Office Can Help You
Safety on Illinois highways and roadways require cooperation and understanding between commercial truck drivers and passenger vehicle operators. By following these essential safety tips, drivers can significantly reduce their risk of being involved in a truck-related accident. Skilled and professional legal guidance remains available for those who have been injured in serious, life-changing or catastrophic truck accidents involving any type of commercial vehicles, helping ensure proper representation and protection of their rights under Illinois law.
If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a truck wreck, call the Noll Law Office to schedule a free consultation with a Springfield trucking accident lawyer to learn more about your rights to compensation under Illinois law. To get started, contact them by dialing (217) 414-8889 or by sending a message here. They are able to discuss your options at any time, and can meet you at your home, the hospital, or in their office.