See and Be Seen! Your Pre-drive Checklist for Avoiding Palm Beach Truck Accidents

When you’re driving next to a semi, it’s hard to believe that the driver in a two-ton rig simply “didn’t see you.” But the fact is, that’s a common response after accidents-either a driver “didn’t see” another vehicle, or a trucker’s twelve mirrors failed to catch a motorist behind him.

So how can drivers increase their visibility? It’s all about precaution. With a little planning, you can see and be seen by truckers in Palm Beach, dramatically reducing your risk of an accident.

Airline pilots do pre-flight checks, truckers have to tick off lists of trailer maintenance-why shouldn’t drivers do the same before setting off? Here’s a pre-drive checklist to get you started:

• Clean up! Drive-through car washes are convenient, but they rarely do the inside of your vehicle. Get out the spray bottle and clean the inside of your windows and windshield at least once a month.
• Keep sunglasses handy. Due to the beautiful southern climate, truck accidents from sun glare are common in our state. Keeping sunglasses nearby will allow you to see an accident before it happens.
• Check? Check! Think like a pilot: if your system’s not working, you shouldn’t take off. Turn on your windshield wipers, headlights, defroster and all other electrical systems to make sure they’re working properly. To make sure tail lights are working, have a friend stand behind the car as you turn on your indicators.
• Top it off. You may have checked for fluid leaks on the pavement, but there are other signs your fluids are running low. Manually check your oil, radiator fluid and windscreen washer reservoir to make sure your car is topped off.
  Tie it down. Items may shift during flight! Clear all objects off the dashboard and rear-view mirror, making sure your cargo is tied down and secure for the duration of the journey.

As experienced Palm Beach truck accident attorneys, we know that you have no control over a truck driver’s actions. All you can do is be the best driver you can be, and hope others will do the same. But when a negligent driver is hauling two tons of cargo, the injuries he inflicts become life-altering.

In this case, you need help from a personal injury attorney who can get you the compensation you need to heal. If you or someone you love was injured in a Palm Beach truck accident, call Fetterman & Associates today at (866) 865-1244 to start your free consultation.