Road trips are trending because they offer freedom, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. But long-distance trips are fraught with risks. Driving long hours makes you tired and sleepy, increasing the possibility of crashes. You may take breaks to curb the chances, but you can hardly do anything about negligent drivers. Moreover, truck accidents as they are common on highways. These accidents are usually serious because of their size, high speeds on highways, and heavy cargo loads. But being aware of the risks and having a plan to deal with them can keep you safe even on a long road trip. Here are a few life-saving tips drivers must follow.
Choose your route wisely
Long-distance road trips entail traveling hundreds of miles across known and unknown terrains. You may feel more confident about the roads you have already navigated. But you cannot be too sure about the new ones. In fact, even the tried and traveled ones may be in a bad state due to a lack of repairs and maintenance. Accidents are more likely to happen in such risky areas, but the research gets you on the safe side. Plan a route and consider the road conditions and accident statistics along the way. Pay close attention to truck mishaps in these areas. Thankfully, you can get plenty of information on the internet. You may also talk to someone who has recently traveled across the route.
Anticipate weather conditions
Like researching the roads, anticipating weather conditions is also the most sensible thing to do while planning a road trip. Rain and storms happen almost everywhere, and they can sometimes be unpredictable. But forecasts often provide accurate information drivers can rely on. Bad weather leads to dangerous driving conditions for small and big vehicles, and even the best drivers may go wrong. Check the forecasts before embarking on the journey. Take a break at the nearest stop if things seem out of control. The last thing you should do is follow a loaded truck on a slippery road.
Know how to deal with a mishap
A mishap may happen at any time, despite the best precautions. A negligent truck driver may hit your car, leaving you injured on the highway. Knowing how to deal with the situation can save your life. You must get medical help sooner than later, even if there aren’t any visible injuries. Gather evidence such as pictures of the road, details of the truck, and witness information because your truck accident lawyer will need them eventually. Get a copy of police records and medical reports as they serve as valuable pieces of evidence in a compensation claim.
Drive defensively
This one is a no-brainer, and you must do it everywhere, from empty lanes to crowded city streets and busy highways. You need to be extra conscious when large vehicles like trucks are on the road. Allow adequate space when following a truck to ensure visibility ahead and get enough time to reach if you need to stop or swerve suddenly. Also, leave space when driving in front of a truck so that it has enough distance to stop. Staying out of a truck’s blind spot is also a crucial part of defensive driving.
Be watchful while pulling over
Besides following the rules of defensive driving on the road, be watchful while pulling over. Highways are unpredictable, and even the most defensive drivers may make wrong judgments. Always look for a designated pull-off spot or a wide shoulder to take a break. Mishaps often occur when standing cars are swiped by passing trucks just because they are in the wrong spot. Also, be careful when you see a truck turning because large vehicles require more clearance to turn, and drivers have less visibility. Never try to race or play games with trucks or other vehicles because highways are the worst place to do it. Pass quickly because the last thing you want to encounter is a tire blowout and rollover while being alongside a truck.
Although you cannot do much about a negligent driver, be the safest you can be. Your agility and caution can prevent a mishap even if the other driver is not careful enough. Follow the rules, be predictable, avoid distracted driving to avert accidents, and have the safest road trip. The distance and larger vehicles en route need not be risky if you are careful enough. But you must be ready to face the implications of an unexpected mishap. Focus on saving life immediately, and get the compensation you deserve eventually.