Portland Truck Accident Attorney

Tips to Avoid A Truck Accident
For Bicycle, Car Drivers, Motorcycle Riders and Pedestrians

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Right Turning Semi Truck - Dangers
Sidewalk Pedestrian and Bicycle Right Hook Truck Accidents

The below image illustrates how the height of the truck driver in the truck cab can make it difficult or impossible to see objects that are at a lower height and within a certain tight radius to the truck itself. Pedestrians and bicycles are unprotected against an accident. Small cars and motorcycles are also susceptible to being hidden because of their size relative to a big rig.

Right hook types of bicycle accidents are particularly dangerous with truck vs. bicycle accidents.

Be careful of getting stuck in traffic riding in potential blind spots of the truck driver. Avoid riding along the side of large vehicles like buses and semi trucks. Of course in traffic a bicyclist may find themselves stuck, but understanding that this is not a good position to be on the road hopefully empower the cyclist to ride defensively and immediately move to a better position and visibility.

Pedestrians walking on the sidewalk also need to be aware of the direct line of site and the potential blind spots that the semi truck driver may have. Pedestrians are two way traffic on sidewalks. A pedestrian also needs to avoid and be careful to be seen when in the position from along the side of the semi truck or bus. Even when walking into the intersection from the opposite direction of travel, the truck driver may not see the pedestrian easily because of the height of the cab and the angle of site.

Pedestrians also are vulnerable to not being seen by trucks because the sidewalk is a further distance from the road, and a pedestrian can potentially be in an awkward angle of site for the truck driver. Pedestrians are also two-way traffic on the sidewalk which requires more attention from the driver as well as a broader horizon of clear site.

Squeeze Play

A large semi truck may swing left before turning right.

If a car driver, bicycle, motorcycle or pedestrian moves into the area to the right of the truck driver as the truck swings to the left, the truck driver may not be able to see them, and as the truck turns right, they may be caught in a dangerous position. If the big rig has a long tractor-trailer, the trailer wheels will travel a tighter right turn which can leave no where for the bicycle, motorcycle, car, or pedestrian.

Never pass on the right. This is a good general practice habit which should help you avoid this situation.

Stopping Distance

Semi trucks, buses, and other large vehicles need more stopping distance. Freeways and rush hour traffic can be especially difficult for semi truck drivers and drivers of over-sized vehicles.

Remember to leave stopping space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Also leave extra space behind you if you move to a lane in front of a large semi truck, bus, or other type of larger sized vehicle.

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