When large trucks collide with smaller vehicles, the outcome is always worse for the small vehicle and its owner than for the truck. This is mainly due to the weight and size of the truck. That is why you should be extra careful when sharing a road with larger vehicles. Here are a few specific tips to keep you safe in such a case.

Don't Assume They Can See You

One of the worst things you can do near a large truck is to assume that the driver can see you. This is dangerous because such large vehicles have poor visibility and large blind spots. Therefore, instead of assuming that the driver can see your car, you should make sure that they can indeed see you. One of the best ways of doing this is to try and look at the truck driver in their rearview mirror; if you can see them then they can also see you.

Give the Trucks Adequate Space

You should also know that large trucks are not as maneuverable as small vehicles. This means that they take big spaces on the road and require even bigger spaces when navigating corners or intersections. In fact, it is not unheard of for a large truck to occupy multiple lanes when navigating an intersection. Not only that, but large trucks also require longer braking distance than small vehicles. Knowing this, you should leave adequate space between you and other trucks on the road so that they can get their room for maneuvers.  

Overtake Fast

It is also a good idea to overtake fast if you have to overtake a truck; don't linger by the side of the truck longer than necessary. The more you linger by the side of the truck the more you are likely to stay in its blind spot or get affected by the draft. Therefore, find a good section of the road, accelerate fast, and get back to your lane as efficiently and as fast as possible.

Give the Trucks Right of Way

Lastly, it makes sense to give the trucks right of way in case you find yourself in a situation where only one vehicle can get ahead. Classic examples of such situations include when two lanes (your lane and the truck's lane) are merging or when the truck wants to overtake your car. In such situations, it is dangerous to accelerate in order to leave the truck behind.

If you do collide with a truck, don't admit liability just as you wouldn't for any other type of car accident. Get treated, preserve evidence, and let a car accident attorney handle the ensuing claim for you.