MoDot will be conducting a public campaign from April 16 to May 6, which reminds motorists to drive safely around tractor trailers.

The attorneys at Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. frequently see individuals severely injured in tractor trailer accidents. Research shows in the majority of cases, drivers of passenger cars–especially young people–endanger themselves due to inattention and reckless driving around big rigs. Learning to drive safely near big rigs will help Missouri’s drivers reduce their risk of serious injury or death.

Some reminders from MoDOT to help keep you safe this travel season are:

Don’t cut off large trucks or buses. Make sure you can see the top of the truck or bus in your rearview mirror before moving back into your original lane.

Stay out of a truck’s blind spots or “No Zone”. Big rigs have large blind spots on either side and up to 200 feet behind a vehicle. Pass only on the left side.

Watch your following distance. Keep a safety cushion around trucks. Can you see the truck’s side mirrors? If not, the driver cannot see you.
Seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45 percent. Drivers are required by state law to wear their seat belt. Failure to do so can result in a citation. Interstate commercial drivers risk both the driver and company’s safety score if operating without a seat belt.

For additional information regarding roadway safety, or other transportation-related topics, contact the MoDOT toll free, at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT. For more information on the Big Trucks Campaign, visit www.savemolives.com.

If you or someone you love have been injured in a tractor trailer accident, please contact the experienced tractor trailer accident attorneys of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.