How to Avoid Truck Accidents in Denver

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Truck accidents can be devastating and traumatic for drivers and passengers. These accidents may cause serious injuries and property damage.

Fortunately, many truck accidents may be preventable. Every driver should be aware of the following techniques and procedures to assist in truck accident prevention.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Denver truck accident, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a free case evaluation with our Denver truck accident attorneys.

AVOID DRIVING IN UNSAFE ROAD CONDITIONS

There are many different unsafe road conditions that can create a dangerous driving environment. These unsafe conditions may increase your likelihood of being involved in a Denver truck accident. According to insurance experts, some of the more common dangerous conditions you might encounter include, but are not limited to, the following:

Poor Weather

Weather conditions can significantly impact the safety of roads. Poor weather can cause devastating trucking accidents, which may result in serious injuries. Poor weather conditions can include heavy rain, wind, fog, snow, ice, or sun glare. These weather conditions may make driving difficult. Drivers are expected to act with caution when operating a vehicle in poor weather conditions. Drivers should also follow local transportation and weather updates to avoid traveling in unsafe conditions.

Missing Barriers

Guardrails and barriers on public roadways are intended to mitigate the consequences of veering or distracted drivers. Railing may also help drivers navigate roadways by steering them in the appropriate direction. Drivers and truckers are at a greater risk for injury when driving on roads without these essential barriers. While on these roads, motorists should slow down and drive with caution to prevent a truck accident from occurring.

Potholes

Denver spends approximately $2 million annually on pothole repair. Every year, the city fills between 60,000 and 100,000 potholes. Denver dedicates money, time, and effort to fill potholes because of the dangers and damages associated with them. Potholes can cause significant damage to vehicles and may even create unsafe driving conditions for motorists. Thus, drivers should do their best to avoid operating their vehicles in areas with heavy road damage.

Missing or Misleading Road Signs

Road signs give drivers the information they need to make reasonable decisions while driving. If a sign is missing or misleading, drivers may be unable to make these decisions effectively.

Construction

Construction zones are inherently dangerous. There is often heavy machinery or equipment populating these areas, which may increase the safety risks for motorists. Drivers should take extra safety steps when passing through these densely populated areas.

Poor Road Layout

Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done about the curvature or design of a roadway because it usually depends on the location’s landscape. However, drivers should be wary when traveling up steep mountains or through curvy valleys, especially when they are not familiar with the terrain.

Unkept Roads

Unkept roads may create unsafe driving conditions. Unkept roads may have dangerous cracks or bumps. These roads may also have faintly painted or deteriorated traffic lines. These traffic lines serve as directional guides for drivers and are important for maintaining the flow of traffic.

Unfortunately, even careful drivers can be involved in an accident if unsafe road conditions are present. Unsafe road conditions may cause a driver to unexpectedly lose control of their vehicle, which commonly results in crashes and collisions. Poor road conditions breed frustration and confusion amongst drivers. Confused drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident. If you have been involved in a trucking accident caused by unsafe road conditions, it may be beneficial to speak with an attorney to evaluate the facts of your claim.

ONLY DRIVE WHEN WELL-RESTED

According to the National Safety Council, driving while drowsy is similar to driving under the influence of alcohol. Drowsiness may increase your reaction times, which makes it more likely that you will be unable to respond to sudden road or safety hazards. Driving after going more than 20 hours without sleep is the equivalent of driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08%, the U.S. legal limit.

You are three times more likely to be involved in a car crash if you are fatigued. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 100,000 police-reported crashes involve drowsy driving every year. Some drivers may not know when they are fatigued because the symptoms may be hard to identify. Fortunately, there are some key warning signs to alert drivers that they may be too tired to drive. These warning signs may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Trouble focusing
• Yawning or rubbing your eyes frequently
• Daydreaming or wandering thoughts
• Feeling restless or irritable
• Slower reaction time
• Poorer judgment
• Lane drifting
• Inability to follow directions or signs

When drivers are tired, they are at an increased risk for a truck collision. Luckily, fatigue can usually be prevented. Drivers struggling with fatigue should get a good night’s sleep before driving, avoid driving if exhausted, consume caffeine, and drive with a friend. By only driving when well-rested, motorists make the roads safer, which may help prevent truck accidents while driving.

FOLLOW DENVER TRAFFIC LAWS

Traffic laws make up a major part of many state regulations. These laws strive to improve unsafe driving and educate poor drivers. Colorado laws require and grant local governments the power to achieve these traffic goals.

Denver has many traffic laws intended to make the roads safer for all drivers. Following these laws may help you and your family avoid being involved in a truck accident. Colorado requires that all Denver drivers have a valid driver’s license before operating a motor vehicle. Additionally, Colorado’s Safety Belt Law requires that a fastened safety belt be worn in all motor vehicles that were factory equipped with a safety belt system. All Denver drivers must follow the rules of the road and operate their vehicles safely.

Distracted driving is dangerous. Colorado state law prohibits Denver drivers under 18 years of age from using a cell or mobile phone while driving unless it is to contact the police for emergency purposes. Colorado imposes a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol on all drivers within the state. Motorists who drive under the influence may lose their license for an extended period of time. Following these local laws may make the roads safer for everyone.

PRACTICE DEFENSIVE DRIVING

Defensive driving tactics often require drivers to understand dangerous conditions and how to react to them on the road. Dangerous conditions can include unsafe road conditions or even other drivers.

When driving near a large truck, it is important that drivers practice defensive driving to avoid colliding with the larger vehicle. Other drivers should avoid being near a truck for too long, by taking any safe opportunity to pass up the truck. Trucks may present a variety of risks to other drivers, like tire blowouts or sudden breaking. Due to their massive size, trucks may be more affected by high-speed winds, which may cause dangerous swerving on interstates. Careful drivers should maintain a following distance behind a commercial truck of at least four seconds. Additionally, truck drivers may take up to two lanes when making wide turns. Other motorists on the road should give these large trucks ample space to complete their turns. Failing to give turning trucks adequate space may cause you to be hit and trapped by the larger vehicle.

Defensive driving techniques reduce the likelihood that a collision will occur. These techniques may even save you money related to vehicle maintenance and fuel consumption because defensive driving tends to be smooth and steady. Awareness is key to defensive driving because being aware allows you to take pro-active action to avoid an incident when confronted with a potential hazard. By practicing these defensive driving techniques, you may be able to help prevent truck accidents while driving.

CALL ZINDA LAW GROUP FOR HELP

Truck accidents can be devastating for drivers and passengers. Truck accidents may yield significant property damage. Some accidents may even cause serious or permanent injuries. Truck accident cases typically require extensive calculation and research. While prevention is always best, it is not always possible. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, you should contact a Denver truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced injury attorney may be able to help you seek legal recourse, evaluate your claim’s merits, and negotiate a fair settlement for your loss.

At Zinda Law Group, we have the knowledge and resources necessary to help you seek the highest compensation possible. Zinda Law Group may be able to provide you with personalized and quality consultation about the specifics of your legal claim. The sooner you contact our office, the better we may be able to serve you.

If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a Denver truck accident, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers. You don’t owe us anything unless we win your case. That’s our No Win, No Fee Guarantee. Check out our blog for more helpful resources.

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