As the Garden State, New Jersey boasts some of the most beautiful highways in the country. But these highways also experience a high volume of commercial truck traffic, which can result in accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Truck accidents can be devastating, causing significant damage to property and people alike. In New Jersey, highways are often busy and can be dangerous for truck drivers and other motorists. It’s essential to take steps to prevent accidents from occurring in the first place.
Here Are Some Tips on How to Prevent Truck Accidents on New Jersey Highways:
1. Keep a Safe Distance
It’s essential to keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially on crowded highways. Maintain at least a six-second following distance, and increase it in bad weather or when driving on wet roads. Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the truck in front of you. Large trucks need more space to stop, and sudden braking can cause them to jackknife or rollover.
2. Be Aware of Blind Spots
Blind spots are areas around the truck that are not visible from the driver’s seat. Check the mirrors frequently and be aware of other vehicles in the blind spots. Use turn signals and horns to communicate with other drivers. Large trucks have significant blind spots on the sides and rear of the vehicle. As a driver, ensure you are visible to the truck driver by avoiding their blind spots. If you cannot see the driver in the mirror, they cannot see you.
3. Avoid Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on highways. Put away your phone, and avoid eating, drinking, or applying makeup while driving. Stay focused on the road.
4. Follow the Speed Limit
Speeding is a significant cause of truck accidents. Large trucks have a higher center of gravity, take longer to stop, are more prone to rollovers, and are more challenging to maneuver at high speeds. Follow the posted speed limits, and reduce speed in bad weather, at night, or when approaching a curve.
5. Regular Maintenance and Inspections on Commercial Trucks
Regular truck maintenance can prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures. Trucking companies should ensure that their vehicles are regularly maintained and inspected. This includes checking tire pressure, brakes, lights, and other critical parts of the vehicle before every trip and fixing any issues promptly.
6. Hire Qualified Drivers
Make sure drivers have a valid commercial driver’s license, a good driving record, and regular training. Check their background and drug test results to ensure that they are fit to operate the truck.
7. Proper Training for Drivers
Trucking companies should make sure that their drivers have the right training and experience to handle the truck and its cargo. This includes taking defensive driving classes, keeping a safe distance behind the car in front of you, and loading and securing all cargo correctly. When cargo is loaded and tied down improperly, trucks can become unstable and fall over. Trucking companies must follow proper loading procedures and ensure that the cargo is secure.
8. Monitor Driver Hours, Rest, and Stay Alert
Federal law requires that truck drivers take breaks and limit their driving hours. Ensure that drivers comply with these regulations and avoid overworking them. Driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents. Get enough rest before driving, and take breaks every two hours or 100 miles. Avoid using drugs or alcohol, and stay alert by keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.
9. Encourage Safe Driving For Truck Drivers
Give rewards and incentives to drivers who use safe driving practices, such as following speed limits and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles on the road. Make safety a priority at your company and give drivers ongoing training and support.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Both drivers and trucking companies need to work together to prevent truck accidents on New Jersey highways. By following these tips, we can ensure the safety of everyone on the road. If you get hurt in a truck accident, hiring a lawyer with a lot of experience can help you get fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Contact The Law Offices of Andres, Berger & Tran Today for a Free Consultation About Your Truck Accident Case
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in New Jersey, contact The Law Offices of Andres, Berger & Tran Our experienced attorneys have a good track record of helping people who were hurt in truck accidents and making sure they get the compensation they deserve. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. Call us today at (856) 317-6558 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. Let us help you get the justice you deserve. Our main office is located at 264 Kings Hwy. E., Haddonfield, NJ 08033.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
