Due to their high centers of gravity, trucks are more prone to rollovers than passenger vehicles. However, most of these accidents are entirely preventable.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, rollovers contributed to 5 percent of all fatal truck crashes in 2012. If you drive a commercial truck or SUV, the following tips can reduce your risk of rollover accidents:
- Slow down;
- Adjust your driving to the weather conditions;
- Approach curves cautiously;
- Do not overload your vehicle;
- And avoid rushing.
Unfortunately, not all drivers are proactive about accident prevention. If you were injured by a negligent motorist in Georgia, contact the Crosson Law Group, LLC.
Ken Crosson is a truck accident attorney in Marietta who can evaluate your crash, gather evidence, structure your claim, and handle settlement negotiations. If your case goes to trial, he has the litigation experience to represent your interests in court.
You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and other damages. Call 678-909-0770 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also learn more about truck accident injury claims in Georgia by visiting USAttorneys.com.
Here are five tips to help you avoid rollover accidents:
- Slow Down
According to the National Institutes of Health, speeding contributes to nearly half of all rollovers. Although you should always follow the speed limit, this is particularly important when driving an SUV or large truck on curvy roads.
- Adjust Your Driving to the Weather Conditions
Large vehicles can be difficult to control on wet or icy roads. Also, poor visibility will reduce the amount of time you have to react to unexpected hazards. Slowing down can help you avoid abrupt evasive maneuvers, thus reducing your risk of a rollover accident in bad weather.
- Approach Curves Cautiously
A significant number of rollovers happen on curves, off-ramps and on-ramps. This is because a truck’s load and weight can shift when cornering. Truckers and SUV drivers should approach curves cautiously and reduce their speeds well ahead of turns.
- Do Not Overload Your Truck
Overloading a commercial truck is both illegal and dangerous. The heavier your load, the more likely it is that your vehicle will roll. Overloading your truck will also make it difficult to handle, thus increasing your risk in many accident scenarios.
- Avoid Rushing
Truckers have strict deadlines to meet, but breakdowns and other unexpected delays can put them behind schedule. This often motivates drivers to rush, which increases their risk of crashing.
Speeding, weaving through traffic, and breaking other laws can be deadly. Meeting your deadline is not as important as your safety and the lives of other road users.
If you were injured in a truck crash that another driver caused, contact the Crosson Law Group, LLC. Ken Crosson is a Marietta accident lawyer who will help you fight for the maximum settlement. Call 678-909-0770 to schedule a free initial consultation.