Truck Right-Hand Turn Accidents

Truck making a right-hand turn at an intersection.

When a Truck Makes a Right Hand Turn, Beware

by Jeffrey J. Kroll

Making a right-hand turn as a truck driver requires strict adherence to safety guidelines due to the increased risk of a collision. Properly handling truck right-hand turns is crucial to preventing accidents, as trucks have large turning radii and need careful maneuvering. By following key safety steps, truck drivers can significantly reduce the risk of a collision during these turns, ensuring a safer journey for everyone on the road.

Essential Safety Tips

1. Move into the Far Right Lane: Before making a right-hand turn, always position your truck into the far right lane. This lane positioning helps in achieving a smoother turn and reduces the risk of colliding with other vehicles or obstacles.

2. Adjust Your Speed: Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road and the traffic around you. Slowing down allows for better control of the vehicle during the turn and provides additional time to react to unexpected hazards.

3. Signal Early and Assess the Intersection: Use your turn signal well in advance of making the turn. This informs other drivers and pedestrians of your intention. Carefully assess the intersection for pedestrians, cyclists, and other potential obstacles, staying alert throughout the maneuver.

4. Shift into the Correct Gear: Ensure you are in the appropriate gear before initiating the turn. Proper gearing helps maintain control of the truck and prevents stalling or sudden movements.

5. Turn Sharply and Accelerate Slowly: Execute the turn with a sharp angle while accelerating slowly. This approach minimizes the chance of tipping over or losing control of the truck during the maneuver.

6. Check Your Right Mirrors Frequently: Continuously check your right-side mirrors to ensure you are not encroaching on other lanes or hitting any obstacles. Adjust your path as necessary to avoid collisions.

7. Straighten Your Wheels: After completing the turn, make sure to straighten your wheels promptly. This action stabilizes the truck and aligns it properly with the road.

Causes of Trucking Accidents

Despite following these guidelines, accidents can still occur during right-hand turns. Common causes of such accidents include:

Approaching the Intersection Too Quickly: High speeds can reduce the driver’s ability to control the truck effectively during the turn.
Initiating the Turn from the Incorrect Lane: Turning from the wrong lane can lead to dangerous collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
Failure to Check Mirrors: Not frequently checking mirrors can result in missing critical hazards or other road users.
Inattention to the Surrounding Environment: Lack of attention can cause drivers to overlook pedestrians, cyclists, or other potential dangers.

The truck accident lawyers at Kaveny and Kroll have experience involving trucking accidents and, especially, right-hand turn collisions. If you or a loved one has been injured by a rig, contact the trucking accident lawyers at Kaveny and Kroll for a free consultation.