Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog
Officials with the Florida Highway Patrol are targeting unsafe drivers on our roadways. It’s all a part of Operation Safe Driver, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). This campaign is taking place from the 14th through the 20th of October. It’s a nationwide campaign that’s pushing awareness and education of unsafe driving habits.
Both commercial and non-commercial drivers are targeted through this effort. One of the main driving behaviors that is targeted through this effort is aggressive driving. During this week-long campaign, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers will be out combing our roadways for unsafe drivers and will be conducting commercial vehicle driver safety inspections — all to make our roadways safer for you.
“The campaign aims to educate all motorists of the risks involved with aggressive and distracted driving around large trucks.” said Col. David Brierton with the FHP.
Our Tamarac car accident lawyers understand the risks that accompany driving in South Florida. Many of our streets are designed to handle fast-moving traffic, yet are too antiquated to handle today’s volume. It’s important that we all travel together and travel cautiously to help to reduce the risks of accidents. All too often, large trucks are treated just as any other passenger vehicle is. The truth of the matter is that semis, tractor-trailers, big-rigs and other commercial vehicles require special treatment. We all need to adjust our driving habits around these vehicles as accidents with them can produce some serious, if not fatal, results.
Funding from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) helps make programs and campaigns like the Operation Safe Driver a reality. Each year, officials with the FHP conduct more than 100,000 commercial vehicle inspections. In 2011, there were close to 20,000 vehicles and drivers who were put out of service because they did not pass these inspections.
Safety Tips for Driving With Commercial Vehicles:
-Never cut off a truck. These vehicles take longer than our passenger vehicles to come to a complete stop. You’re also less likely to be seen when driving in front of a truck.
-Never travel in a truck driver’s blind spots. If you can’t see the driver, then they’re not able to see you. These are the no-no zones.
-Stay away from trucks. Never follow too closely, or tailgate, commercial vehicles. When passing one, do so swiftly. Never linger alongside or near a truck. Stay away and stay safe.
-Trucks take wide turns. Remember that these vehicles need more space to make a turn than our vehicles do. Make sure you allow them with plenty of room. You never want to get caught in a tight squeeze with a truck. More than likely you’ll lose.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, contact the injury lawyers of Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC for a free consultation to discuss your case. Call 1-800-561-7777.
More Blog Entries:
Driverless Cars & Elderly Drivers in South Florida, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, October 6, 2012
15-Passenger Vans Require Special Attention to Safety!, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, October 5, 2012