Truckers often make these mistakes on the highway

You expect truck drivers to take special caution, but don’t assume this will happen. These drivers are prone to many types of mistakes, all of which increase the risk of an accident.

Here are some of the most common mistakes:

• Driving drowsy: Truckers often assume they can “push it just a little bit longer.” Unfortunately, when they push it too far, they risk falling asleep at the wheel.

• Distracted driving: There is no shortage of distractions in the cockpit of a commercial truck. From food and drinks to smartphones and GPS systems, there’s always something to take the trucker’s attention away from the road.

• Speeding: You don’t typically have to look far to spot a trucker who is driving faster than the speed limit on the highway. Time is money for trucking professionals, so they often take risks with how fast they drive.

• Illegal passing: This often goes along with speeding, as truckers will pass slower moving vehicles in the right lane. Doing this puts everyone in close proximity at risk of an accident.

If you spot an aggressive trucker or someone who is not taking their safety seriously, create as much space as you can between your vehicles.

In the event that you’re injured in a car-truck accident, your first step is to call 911. This is the best way to get an ambulance to the scene as quickly as possible.

After you receive treatment, revisit the details of the accident and request a copy of the police report. It’s now time for you to file an insurance claim and take steps to obtain compensation for your injuries, damage to your vehicle and other damages.