The holiday season is right around the corner and that means increased delivery drivers on the road. We already know that toys, electronics, and other fun products that get wrapped up or stuffed in a stocking each year aren’t really delivered by Santa Claus and the chimney on your home has nothing to do with gifts that are delivered to your home. All of the food we will make for holiday gatherings along with all of the gifts we give start out on a shelf in a retail store or distribution warehouses. Each of these products get there by a big truck more often than not.

In the next couple of months, whenever you’re driving, keep a close eye out for an increased number of delivery trucks on the road. Some of those delivery drivers may be paying closer attention to delivery and their next stop than on their driving. To stay safe on the highways this holiday season it may be good to review some safety tips about driving near one or more delivery people.

Here are five things to keep in mind to help prevent delivery truck accidents:

• Blind spots: Delivery drivers, especially delivery vans have larger blind spots compared to smaller passenger vehicles. These blind spots are why it’s so easy for your car to become “invisible” to a nearby delivery driver. Do your best to stay clear of these blind spots when you are near a big rig hauling product.
• Eye contact: A general rule about safely driving near a delivery truck is keeping your mirror where you can see the truck and the driver within its reflection. When you first approach a delivery truck and you want to pass it, try to make eye contact with the truck driver in the mirror. Visual confirmation of your vehicle will make it more “real” to the driver.
• Passing: The delivery drivers biggest blind spot is on the right side. Knowing that means you should spend as little time as you can on the right side. To pass use the left side whenever possible. By doing so, you will spend the least amount of time in a blind spot, reducing your risk of a sideswipe or underride accident.
• Late-night driving: Everyone feels tired when driving late at night. With deliveries happening later to avoid traffic and due to longer shifts happening as a result of the labor shortage the driver you encounter may be exhausted. Another thing to consider is when you are leaving a holiday party late at night you may need to take extra precautions.
• Patience: Driving near one delivery truck can be a problem and driving near several may actually be dangerous. When you are around more than one delivery truck your best option to stay safe might be hang back. Don’t try to pass delivery truck at the same time.

We represent people who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others.  At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. The reason that insurance companies have paid our clients in excess of $130,000,000.00 is that we get the facts and are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial when insurance companies fail to offer full compensation. A Sacramento truck accident attorney can help with serious injuries that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth, LLP. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience specializing in only representing injured people. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or contact Guenard & Bozarth online. We would be honored to represent you!