Swinging Turns

Tractor trailer trucks need a much wider area to turn right or left at Chicago area intersections. Because of the size of the tractor and its trailer, the truck driver often needs a wide area in order to turn safely making a right or turn left. The driver can’t see cars directly next to it or behind it.

For motor vehicle drivers, it is important to identify a wide swinging truck. Because the blind spots are so wide, the truck driver cannot see a vehicle who may try to squeeze in between the commercial vehicle and the curb.

It is inescapable that collisions will occur when vehicle drivers do not take extreme caution when trucks are making right or left turns at intersections.

The danger zone is the area around the trucks where crashes are more likely to occur when a truck is making that swinging turn. Vehicle drivers should take extreme caution to allow the truck to make a safe maneuver to the right or the left. Trucks are operated much differently then passenger vehicles. Drivers should be alert not to pass a truck on the right when the truck is turning to the right. Because of a wide swing to the left, the truck needs that extra space to safely maneuver the vehicle to the right.

For the safest approach, drivers of vehicles should allow trucks to 4 or 5 seconds of space depending on conditions to safely turn right or left on a city street. In addition, it is always important to allow enough space between a motor vehicle and a truck in front, especially large trucks given their massive weight.

Because of the size of large commercial trucks, they need additional space to make wide turns by essentially swinging out in the opposite direction of the intended turn. In doing that, it may lead the unwary in believing that the truck is turning in the opposite direction instead of the wide swinging turn. Extra precaution should be taken by vehicle drivers when approaching a large commercial truck at intersections.

It is imperative that all drivers safely share the road with trucks and other large vehicles.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact Kreisman Law Offices 24 hours a day at 312.346.0045 or toll free 800.583.8002 for a free and immediate consultation, or complete a contact form online. We are here to assist you and your family so that responsible parties are held accountable for the injuries or death to individuals injured in truck accidents. We have more than 40 years of successful experience handling truck accident injury cases. With our many years of trial experience handling truck accident cases in Illinois, we have the know-how to best handle your case. Our service is unmatched. Call us today!

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