Some of the very worst accidents and injuries can occur when collisions occur between passenger cars and commercial semi trucks and trailers. However, there are things you can do to protect yourself.
Be cautious when making turns. This is especially true when making a right hand turn. When a passenger vehicle makes a right hand turn the back end of the vehicle follows closely after the front end. This is not true of a large semi. When that vehicle makes a right hand turn, the rear end turns far behind the front end and cuts the corner at a much tighter angle. If a passenger vehicle does not recognize this and makes the turn at the same time, the rear end of the semi can end up colliding with the passenger vehicle. Be careful in this situation.
Be careful when you pass a semi. Remember that the semi is much longer than a normal vehicle and will require more time to pass. Here in Idaho we have many two lane roads. This means that any passing maneuver will require the passing car to enter opposing traffic for some period of time while executing the pass. It mandates more time if the passer is trying to move around a semi truck. Drivers should exercise patience. Do not move into opposing traffic unless the field of vision is clear and there is plenty of time to pass the large truck. Being safe is certainly better than being sorry. In this situation, that calls for patience.
Make sure that you are not too close to the rear end of the truck. Every car, truck, and semi has a blind spot. Recognize that when you drive a smaller vehicle, the blind spot is correspondingly small. When a truck driver is driving a large semi, the blind spot is large. One way to make sure you aren’t in a driver’s blind spot is to make sure you can see his mirrors. If you can see his or her mirrors, chances are you are not in the blind spot and the driver is aware of you and your position on the road.
Finally don’t tailgate. This holds true for any car or truck. Oftentimes, drivers move suddenly back and forth on the road in order to avoid debris or other problems. A tailgating driver has little chance to avoid a hazard if tailgating. Be cautious and stay a safe distance behind other vehicles.
Be careful and if you end up getting in an accident, call the police immediately.