Large trucks and semitrailers play a large role in the American economy. They are responsible for the transportation of various types of goods and products across the country. Because of the large size and weight of these vehicles, the men and women who drive them have a special responsibility to be safe and aware while they are behind the wheel.
You know that distracted driving plays a large role in the number of car accidents in Illinois and across the country. Distraction is particularly dangerous when the distracted individual is driving a semitrailer or large truck, but it does not represent the only issue that causes accidents. It may surprise you to learn that a person can be looking at the road and still not be completely attentive or notice hazards until it is too late.
Blindness to certain hazards
Even when a driver is completely attentive and is doing everything he or she could do to stay safe, there are still many ways a driver can miss hazards or fail to react appropriately to dangers. Sometimes, a person can be looking at the road with both hands on the wheel yet still not really see what is happening in front of or beside the vehicle. Some call this attentional blindness.
It is impossible for a person to accurately see and process every single hazard that is happening around him or her. This is why a driver may not see a danger coming until it is right in his or her line of vision. Attentional blindness is something that everyone deals with, but there are ways that a truck driver can increase his or her awareness, such as by the following means:
- Make it a point to notice what other drivers are doing that may be dangerous or negligent.
- Take steps to maximize attentiveness by eliminating anything that could be distracting or cause the mind to wander.
- Notice things like road signs, traffic cones, signs of traffic slowing ahead and other factors that can affect speed, distance and more.
Truck drivers are on the road for long hours, which can lead to fatigued driving or an increased likelihood they could drive while attentionally blind. It is vital for every trucker to make the choice to be as attentive and focused as possible on the road.
If you suffered injuries in a truck accident, you have options. You may have grounds for legal recourse through a personal injury claim against the liable party. No matter what caused your accident, you have the right to learn more about your legal options and pursue recovery.
