Garbage Truck Causes Crash in Colorado

January 09, 2013

Garbage truck causes crash in Colorado

Four cars were involved in a collision at the intersection of Highway 85 and O Street in Greeley, Colorado. One of the vehicles involved was a garbage truck. The garbage truck slid off the road and went through the guard rail. The driver of the truck was stuck in the cab of the vehicle. The vehicle had to be stabilized, and firefighters had to cut through the windshield in order to get the driver out.

To make matters worse, the backside of one of the cars involved was crushed under the garbage truck. Two children and one adult were in this car, but, thankfully, they were unharmed. The two other vehicles involved in the crash did not suffer much damage, and the drivers and passengers were not injured.

Preventing truck accidents: tips for cars

Drivers of trucks and cars have a duty to each other to remain alert when on the road and to not act negligently when driving. It is important to understand that trucks handle differently than cars: they often take wider turns, take longer to slow down and have major blind spots. Car drivers should not cut ahead of trucks since trucks may not be able to stop in time, and a major accident can occur as a result.

Drivers should always make sure that they can see a truck's mirrors when they are passing--otherwise, there is no way that the truck can see them. The distance between a car and truck is also important, especially when road conditions are not ideal. It is recommended to allow trucks four to six seconds of space when roads are wet.

Preventing truck accidents: tips for trucks

Truck drivers need to be cognizant of their blind spots since, according to Road Safe America, one-third of all crashes involving cars and trucks take place in a truck's blind spots or "No-Zone."

Road Safe America asserts that potentially two-thirds of all traffic deaths are due to aggressive driving, and since trucks more easily spin out of control than cars, it is incumbent upon truck drivers to take the high road and always drive defensively.

Truckers often work very long hours, so it is vital that they make sure they only take to the road when they have had sufficient rest. Violating hours of service rules can not only ruin a trucker's career, but potentially his life.

Even when people take proper precautions, truck accidents still happen. Those injured in truck accidents may be entitled to recover monetary rewards for their injuries. A seasoned Colorado personal injury attorney can help those involved in truck accidents to seek recompense for damages suffered.

Article provided by Harshman and McBee, P.C.
Visit us at http://www.harshmanmcbeelaw.com