Georgia Truck Accident Lawyers Blog

With winter weather just about upon us and the holidays fast approaching, it is a good time for our Atlanta trucking accident lawyers to remind motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists to use a little more caution to avoid an accident. You may begin to notice roadways becoming slicker with morning frosts and icy conditions or a little more congested with holiday shoppers and travelers.

We especially urge you to use more caution around big rigs to avoid a tractor-trailer accident in Georgia. Becoming entwined with these big and powerful 18-wheelers doesn't usually end well for drivers, bicyclists or pedestrians.

Two separate incidents that occurred recently remind us of the dangers when a motorist makes impact with a tractor-trailer. AccessNorthGa.com recently reported of an early morning collision when a car became wedged underneath a semi. The driver of the car was trapped inside and had to be taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for treatment of severe injuries.

A second accident turned fatal when a driver of a 2008 Kia Optima in Worth County failed to stop at a stop sign. Fox 31 online reports a 68-year-old female had to be rushed to Phoebe Putney Hospital after colliding with a flatbed truck on Highway 300. The driver ran a stop sign, but the approaching truck could not swerve in time to miss broadside contact with the Optima. Georgia State Police confirmed the passenger car driver was under the influence at the time of the accident. The woman was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Road Safe America offers these driver safety tips:

Passenger car drivers

-Whatever you do, stay out of a truck's blind spots. A trucker can't avoid a collision if you are riding where the driver can't see you.

-Allow four to six seconds of space between you and semi-truck in wet or icy conditions or at high rates of speed.

-When using a turn signal, wait for a tractor-trailer to make their turn before passing. Large trucks require more space to turn corners so you don't want to block their path by trying to go around them.

-If you see a truck driver driving erratically or recklessly, report them to authorities immediately.

Tractor-trailer drivers

-Never get behind the wheel if you are feeling drowsy. Eat right, stay fit and get plenty of rest.

-A third of work zone injuries are caused by large trucks driving too fast through construction zones. Slow down and move over.

-Check brakes regularly to avoid accidents from brake malfunctions. A common out-of-service violation for large trucks is brake defects.

-Drive defensively, not aggressively. If an aggressive driver approaches you on the roadway, let them go. Never engage in aggressive acts with other motorists.

Reduce the risk of severe injury or death by using caution and staying focused on the roadway every time you get behind the wheel.