Personal injury lawyers do derive income from helping people involved in car and truck accidents. That doesn't mean, however, that they don't want to see people avoid these accidents in the first place. These tips for avoiding truck accidents on the highway will help.

If you ask a truck driver what causes most truck accidents you'll probably get an answer that you can't really put in print. Once you take out all the blue language and colorful dialogue the answer will boil down to something like this, "They're caused by all the dumb drivers on the roads." The dumb drivers in question could be you or me. The sad fact is that most truck accidents have very little to do with the truck or the trucker.

Drivers of passenger cars and light trucks just don't understand the world of tractor-trailers. We jump in our car or minivan and hit the highway, thinking we're the kings of the road. In fact a lot of us think the road belongs to us and it's everyone else's job to get out of our way and let us get where we're going. When we see that big truck pulling the trailer we see it simply as something to be passed and put behind us, or as an obstacle to getting where we want to be.

What we should see when the tractor-trailer comes into view is a vehicle that needs special attention when it crosses our path. Big rigs are a rolling office and when you see it out on the highway you're watching somebody work. When you encounter a doctor or accountant you treat them with a certain degree of courtesy worthy of professionals, so why not the professional truck driver too? Instead of making their work harder why not do a few things to make things easier on the other guy?

Consider these three reminders:

Remember Visibility is Limited

It's hard to see everything from the cab of a big rig. If you think your passenger car has blind spots imagine what it would be like if you were sitting ten feet off the ground with a 50' trailer behind you. A good rule of thumb is that if you can't see a truck's mirrors then the truck driver can't see you, and if they don't know where you are then both of you are  in danger.

Remember Not to Sneak Up

Don't approach a truck from behind. When you see a truck coming up in your lane switch to the passing lane so that there's a better chance of being seen in the mirror. Flashing your headlights when you pull alongside will also alert the driver as to where you are and what you are doing. If you flash your headlights as you pass you're likely to see the gesture returned by the trucker, but this isn't just a matter of courtesy. When the trucker flashes the lights it means your car is clear of the truck and it's safe to pull back in front of the big rig.

Remember The Buffet Effect

Not the singer. The turbulence. Be aware that trucks displace a lot of air and this can make for some rough driving when you try to pass. Be ready for your vehicle to get buffeted when you pass a truck. Surprisingly many accidents are caused when a driver tries to pass a truck and overreacts to the rough air beside the big rig. Drivers sometimes hit trucks from behind because of the draft behind the big rig. Just like a racecar your car will accelerate faster behind a truck and close more quickly because the truck is moving the air out of your way. If you're not paying attention you might find yourself too close for comfort.

Don't be a dummy on the highway. Help stop truck accidents by being a better driver and trying to mimic the professionalism of the trucker driving the big rig. Remember cars don't win the battle versus the big rigs very often, so the life you save by driving smart very likely could be your own. Maybe Indiana truck accident lawyers could become the next Maytag repairman.