What Steps Must a Truck Driver Take to Successfully Make a Right-Hand Turn?
by Jeffrey J. Kroll
Overall, large trucks in the United States crash roughly 170,000 – 185,000 times per year. Of that number, a significant portion of the truck collisions occur when a semi tractor trailer or other type of truck makes a right-hand turn and strikes a pedestrian, bicyclist, scooter, or another vehicle. Before a truck makes a right-hand turn, the driver must take several important steps to ensure safety, not only for themselves, but others on the road. For example:
1. Truck drivers should signal early
Truck drivers should use the right-hand turn signal well in advance to warn other drivers and pedestrians that they are going to make a right-hand turn. This advises others on the roadway of your intention. Truck drivers should signal at least 100 feet on roads containing a speed limit under 45 mph.
2. Move to the right lane, if safe to do so
A truck should be in the right-most lane before attempting to make a right-hand turn. If not already in the right-hand turn lane, merge slowly, safely, and attempt to turn only when it is clear to do so.
3. Check the path through the intersection
A truck driver must understand and comprehend that there is enough space to complete the turn without encroaching on other lanes or striking pedestrians, bicyclists, curbs, or street poles.
4. A truck driver must turn slowly and smoothly
During the turn, a truck driver must maintain a low speed throughout the turn not only for control but adequate visibility. This means checking your mirrors not only before the turn or after the turn but during the turn.
5. A truck driver should check their mirrors and any potential blind spots
Trucks can have some blind spots, especially on the right side. Therefore, the prudent and safe driver should check the side mirrors on the right carefully for not only pedestrians and cyclists but also other small vehicles. A truck driver should not move the vehicle for a right-hand turn until the truck driver knows it is safe to do so.
6. Watch for vehicles or cyclists on the right
It is not uncommon nor unusual for a cyclist, scooter, or even a car to try and “squeeze” between the right-hand turning truck and the curb. The truck driver must ensure that the right side is completely clear before beginning the turn. Similarly, trucks often need to swing wide to the left before turning right due to the extensive wheelbase on the trailer. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the truck driver to check for vehicles that may be attempting to pass on the right while they swing left. To truck drivers, mirrors are their best friend.
Contact Our Truck Accident Attorneys If You Were Injured
The truck accident attorneys and Kaveny+Kroll know firsthand the devastation and loss a truck accident can cause to a family. Recently, the truck accident lawyers at Kaveny+Kroll had a $4.9 million verdict for a bicyclist who was struck by a right-hand turning truck. If you have a question about a truck-related collision, please contact the attorneys at Kaveny+Kroll for a free consultation.
