Statistics in recent years for Ohio show approximately 70 percent of all commercial motor vehicle (CMV)-involved fatal and incapacitating injury crashes are caused by a non-CMV driver. Based on provisional statistics, through May of this year, there were 58 commercial vehicle-related fatal crashes resulting in 62 deaths in Ohio. Of these fatal crashes, 81 percent were the fault of the non-CMV driver.
When driving on the highway you are at a serious disadvantage if involved in a crash with a larger vehicle. In crashes involving large trucks, the occupants of a car, usually the driver, sustain 78 percent of fatalities according to national studies. In order to keep you and your family safe when driving around large trucks and buses, you should be extra cautious. Sharing the road with larger vehicles can be dangerous if you are not aware of their limitations. Here are a few tips to help you drive safer to prevent an accident and minimize injuries and fatalities if one does occur.
CUTTING IN FRONT CAN CUT YOUR LIFE SHORT
If you cut in front of another vehicle, you may create an emergency-braking
situation for the vehicles around you, especially in heavy traffic. Trucks and
buses take much longer to stop in comparison to cars. If you force a larger
vehicle to stop quickly this could cause a serious, even fatal crash. When passing,
look for the front of the truck in your rear-view mirror before pulling in front
and avoid braking situations.
BUCKLE YOUR BELTS
Always buckle your safety belt. Safety belts are your best protection in case
of a crash, especially if you get into a crash with a large vehicle such as
a truck. Trucks require a greater stopping distance and can seriously hurt you
if your car is struck from behind. However, your safety belt will keep you from
striking the steering wheel or windshield, being thrown around, and from being
ejected from the car. Wearing a safety belt is the single most important thing
you can do to save your life.
WATCH YOUR BLIND SPOTS - THE "NO-ZONES"
Large trucks have blind spots, or No-Zones, around the front, back and sides
of the truck. A truck could even turn into you, because these No-Zones make
it difficult for the driver to see. So, don't hang out in the No-Zones, and
remember, if you can't see the truck driver in the truck's mirror, the truck
driver can't see you. Visit www.statepatrol.ohio.gov to view a brochure outlining
the No-Zone areas.
INATTENTIVE DRIVERS
Inattentive drivers do not pay attention to driving or what is going on around
them. They can be just as dangerous as aggressive drivers when they drive slowly
in the passing lane, ignore trucks brake lights or signals, and create an emergency-braking
situation. They also create unsafe situations when they attempt to do other
things while driving, such as using cell phones. When you are driving, please
focus only on the road. If you need to attend to another matter while driving,
safely pull over in a parking lot or rest stop.
AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS
Aggressive drivers can be dangerous drivers. They put themselves and others
at risk with their unsafe driving. Speeding, running red lights and stop signs,
pulling in front of trucks too quickly when passing, and making frequent lane
changes, especially in the blind spots of trucks, can create hazardous and potentially
fatal situations on the road. These situations can lead to road rage not only
for the aggressive driver, but also for others sharing the road.
AVOID SQUEEZE PLAY
Be careful of trucks making wide right turns. If you try to get in between the
truck and the curb, you'll be caught in a "squeeze" and can suffer
a serious crash. Truck drivers sometimes need to swing wide to the left in order
to safely negotiate a right turn especially in urban areas. They can't see cars
directly behind or beside them. Cutting in between the truck and the curb increases
the possibility of a crash. So pay attention to truck signals, and give them
lots of room to maneuver.
NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE
Drinking and driving don't mix. Alcohol affects a person's ability to make crucial
driving decisions, such as braking, steering, or changing lanes. Remember, you
are not the only one in danger when you decide to drink and then drive. You
are sharing the road with everyone including large vehicles and your chances
of getting into a crash are greatly increased. If you get into a crash with
a truck, you're out of luck. The odds of surviving a serious crash with a large
truck are too low. So think before you drink.
More information on this important traffic safety topic, including information on a Highway Patrol special enforcement and safety marketing program this summer to draw further motorist attention to this issue can be found on the Patrol’s Web site at www.statepatrol.ohio.gov.
Information in this column is courtesy of the U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.