Anytime you're driving on Florida's highways, chances are you’ll be sharing the road with commercial truck drivers. Unfortunately, some of them may act aggressively, putting both themselves and other drivers at risk. It can be difficult to know what to do when confronted with an aggressive truck driver. In this blog post, we'll discuss several tips for staying safe if you’re forced to share the road with an aggressive truck driver.
How to Safely Deal with an Aggressive Truck Driver: Tips for Drivers in Florida
Sharing the road with an aggressive truck driver can be a terrifying experience, but if you find yourself in that situation, it's important to stay calm and focused on your own safety. If you follow the tips below, you can reduce your chances of being involved in a truck accident due to a trucker’s aggressiveness and better your chances of staying safe on Florida's highways:
- Avoid Engaging in Aggressive Behavior Yourself – When a truck driver acts aggressively on the road, it's easy to get angry and act aggressively yourself. However, this will only make the situation worse. Instead, try to stay calm and avoid responding in an aggressive manner. Keep your distance from the truck driver and avoid making eye contact or gestures that could be seen as confrontational.
- Call the Authorities – If a truck driver is engaging in dangerous driving behaviors, such as swerving, tailgating, or speeding, it's important to report them to the authorities. Call 911 or the Florida Highway Patrol to report the aggressive trucker's behavior. Be sure to provide a description of the truck, the license plate number, and any other information that could help the police locate the vehicle.
- Increase Your Following Distance – When driving near a commercial truck, it's a good idea to increase your following distance. This will give you more time to react if the truck driver suddenly stops or changes lanes without signaling. You should also avoid driving in the truck's blind spots, which are located on both sides of the vehicle and directly behind it.
- Stay Focused on the Road – When dealing with an aggressive truck driver, it can be easy to become distracted. However, it's important to stay focused on the road ahead. Avoid using your phone or engaging in distracting activities while driving. If you need to make a call or send a text, pull off the road and find a safe location to make your call or send your text.
- Stay Informed on Florida's Traffic Laws and Regulations – To stay safe on the road, it's important to understand Florida's traffic laws and regulations. For example, commercial trucks are required to follow certain rules regarding their weight, size, and speed. If you're aware of these laws, you will be more likely to recognize if a trucker is driving aggressively and react accordingly.
At Rash Mueller, we have a team of highly skilled truck accident attorneys who are committed to delivering exceptional legal representation. If you're the victim of a truck accident that happened due to a trucker’s aggressive behavior behind the wheel, we want to help you hold that trucker, his trucking company, and their insurance provider accountable for your pain and suffering.
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Give us a call at (954) 914-7116 or contact us online today to receive the expert legal support you need in the aftermath of a truck accident.