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August 6, 2021 | By Ramos James Law - Injury Attorney
18-Wheeler Accident in Austin Leads to Tragedy
On Wednesday, July 28th, an Austin police officer was involved in a major accident with an 18-wheeler.
Details About the Accident
According to reports, the accident occurred in the 7800 block of FM 969 near Decker Lane. The police officer was on their way to respond to an urgent call when they were struck by an 18-wheeler.
The officer was transported to a local hospital after being pinned under the tractor and suffering catastrophic injuries.
Texas Department of Transportation data shows that the one-mile stretch of FM 969 between Johnny Morris Rd. and Decker has seen dozens of crashes since late 2018. This stretch of road has also been slated for improvements and seen a reduction in speed.
How to Drive Safely Around 18-Wheelers
Every year, more than 4,000 accidents involving large trucks or buses occur. While driving around or alongside 18-wheelers can be quite intimidating, there are steps and measures you can practice to enhance your safety.
1.Never Text and Drive
Driving while texting is extremely dangerous and should never be done when behind the wheel. When traveling on the highway, a five-second glance at your phone is like traveling the length of multiple football fields blindly. If an 18-wheeler suddenly stops in front of you, there is a great likelihood that you crash into it.
2.Do Not Cut Off Semi Trucks
You do not want to be the way of a semi-truck due to their size and weight. Because of their size and momentum, it can take an 18-wheeler a considerable amount of time to come to a complete stop. For example, it can take an 18-wheeler driving at 60 mph about the length of three football fields for them to come to a complete stop.
3.Pass Trucks Quickly
While driving alongside an 18-wheeler, you need to give them their respective space. When coming up on an 18-wheeler, it is a best practice to pass them up as quickly as possible at a safe rate of speed.
By doing so, you will also be getting out of their blind spots. Lingering in a blind spot can be dangerous and can easily lead to an accident.
4.Give Trucks Room to Turn
18-wheelers are large, long, and need space to maneuver.
To avoid getting caught in their turning space, give them adequate room to make their turn. For instance, at an intersection, it is best to stop several feet behind the stop lines so that they have adequate room to make their turn - especially if they are making a right-hand turn.
5.Give Trucks the Right of Way
If you are in a situation deliberating who has the right of way, allow the 18-wheeler to go first. This allows the truck to get out of the way, allowing you to continue on the road safely.
Other safety practices include:
Keep an eye on the lights of the semi-truck to determine whether it is stopping, turning, or moving in some other manner
Watch for drifting and lane straddling
Be a responsible driver yourself and avoid negligent behavior when behind the wheel
Austin Truck Accident Attorneys Here for You
Driving alongside 18-wheelers can be intimidating for even experienced drivers, but with the right driving practices, you can best protect yourself and others. However, accidents do happen.
If you or a loved one are ever involved in an 18-wheeler accident, the Austin truck accident attorneys at Ramos James Law, PLLC, are ready to fight for the justice you deserve.
