The highways and interstates around Belleville are usually filled with semitrucks. Making sure that you stay safe around these vehicles is imperative. One thing that you can do is to watch these rigs to make sure that you don’t spot anything amiss.
There are certain things that you might notice that indicate a trucker is driving in an unsafe manner. If you see any of these signs, make a mental note and try to stay away from the 18-wheeler.
Weaving or drifting
Truckers who are fatigued or not paying attention to what is going on might weave between lanes or drift out of their own traffic lane. This is a sign that there is something going on with the trucker or the truck. There are some cases in which this might be due to the wind blowing the trailer, but it is still a good idea to remain far away from the rig so you don’t run the risk of being slammed into.
Driving too fast for conditions
Truckers who drive too fast can also cause accidents. As you can imagine, the size and weight of these vehicles can lead to catastrophic injuries if an accident occurs that involves higher speeds. All roads in Illinois have speed limits. Some of these roadways, including the interstates, have limits that are lower for semis than what they are for other vehicles. It is important that you try to avoid big rigs that are traveling too fast for the current conditions. In some cases, such as in wintry precipitation or rain, even going the speed limit might mean the trucker is driving too fast.
Shifting loads
A semi’s cargo can shift with the motion of the trailer. Shifting loads are a risk because if they shift too much, they can create a hazard for other drivers. Not only can they come loose, but they might cause the trucker to lose control while he or she is driving. Cargo securement is a huge safety point for these 18-wheelers, so if you see something that doesn’t look stable, keep your distance.
Distractions in or out of the cab
A distracted trucker is a dangerous trucker. Even though many people recognize cellphones as a distraction, they don’t realize that the radio, food, other occupants of the cab and even billboards can be distractions. Anything that takes a driver’s mind off of driving can lead to devastating accidents, especially when the trucker is moving at high speeds.