I-285 in Atlanta — where the Truck Accident Attorneys are based — is one of the busiest traffic areas in the state, and it has been the site of numerous motor vehicle accidents recently, some of which were fatal.
Earlier this year, DeKalb County police reported two fatalities and two injuries from a rear-end accident involving a tractor trailer on I-285 North that blocked all traffic lanes. In the investigation, it was documented that the family’s SUV rear-ended a broken-down tractor trailer.
A similar accident occurred in October of this year, when a tractor trailer rear-ended a vehicle on I-285, causing it to slam into the median and catch fire. Both the driver and passenger of the vehicle died at the scene.
Within the past few months, the Georgia Department of Transportation has begun planning and implementing road improvements for the area surrounding the I-285/SR 400 interchange. Proposed projects include new flyover ramps and collector-distributor lanes to help with ongoing efforts in reducing traffic congestion.
But let’s not forget that all drivers can be proactive when contributing to highway safety.
Safely Sharing the Road with Tractor-Trailers and Large Trucks
Due to the weight and size of commercial trucks, it is often difficult for them to navigate as easily as cars on the road, and they face challenges particularly when it comes to blind spots. The following tips are among many ways drivers can help protect themselves and others on the road:
- If you are unable to see the truck’s mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
- Truck drivers are unable to see directly behind or beside them, especially when making turns. They need to swing wide to maneuver a safe turn. To avoid a collision, drivers should not try to squeeze beside a truck when turning.
- Since it takes longer for a large truck to stop than a regular car, avoid swerving suddenly in front of a truck when switching lanes. Give trucks additional space.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
Heavy traffic flow, combined with safety violations on the road, leads to millions of collisions every year. Our law firm is here to aid those who have been injured in trucking accidents. We dedicate the majority of our practice to the investigation and successful resolution of trucking accident claims.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries as a result of a trucking accident, contact our trucking attorneys for a free consultation. There is no obligation.