Great West Casualty Company Blog

RECOGNIZE THE HAZARDS

At some time in the future, you may be involved in a vehicle crash. These situations can be stressful and confusing. Before these situations occur, it is important that you understand driver conduct at a crash scene. Remember to be polite and courteous at the scene of a crash. Admit nothing, promise nothing, and do not argue. Do not discuss the crash with anyone except the police and representatives from your own company. Any statements you make may later be used against you; so do not offer any theories, reasons, or excuses to explain why the crash happened.

A right-turn squeeze crash can occur when a truck driver makes a wide right turn and leaves too much space between the truck and the curb. A vehicle behind may mistake this maneuver as the truck simply changing lanes or as soon as the right lane opens up the driver ignores the truck’s turn signal and accelerates alongside the truck. Either way, as soon as the truck makes its right-hand turn, the other vehicle gets caught under the trailer or impacts the side of the truck. This type of run under crash can be prevented if truck drivers are able to recognize the hazards that increase the likelihood of a crash and take defensive measures to prevent a loss. Read the information below and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to improve your driving skills and reduce the risk of a crash.

Side-impact crashes involving vehicles running under the trailer are one of the four critical crashes because they typically result in severe losses. These types of crashes can be prevented if drivers recognize the hazards that increase the likelihood of a run under crash and take defensive measures to avoid it. Read the information below and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to improve your driving skills and reduce the risk of a run under crash.

Side-impact collisions that occur between a tractor/trailer and train can result in devastating losses. The key to preventing crashes while crossing railroad tracks is to be able to recognize the hazards that increase the likelihood of a crash and take appropriate defensive measures. Read the information below and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to improve your driving skills and reduce the risk of a crash.

Lane change crashes are one of the four “Critical Crashes” because they typically result in severe losses. These types of crashes can be prevented if drivers are able to recognize the hazards that increase the likelihood of a lane change crash and take defensive measures to prevent a loss. Read the information below and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to improve your driving skills and reduce the risk of a lane change crash.

RECOGNIZE THE HAZARDS Environment/Equipment Slippery road conditions Poor visibility Loss of traction Traffic congestion Brakes out of adjustment

When it comes to losses, a motor carrier that operates in a reactive mode is putting itself in a bad position. It is like closing the barn door after the horses get out. The damage is done, and the only hope is to minimize the loss. A better approach is to get ahead of a loss by taking steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. For this reason, successful motor carriers invest the time to evaluate their operations and identify the risks that could potentially force them to close their doors. 

  Intersections can pose a serious risk to professional truck drivers. Besides the movement of vehicle traffic in every direction, drivers must contend with the unpredictable, like jaywalkers, bike riders, and countless other hazards. For these reasons, drivers must be extra vigilant when approaching an intersection. 

Some of the most frequent types of severe crashes are rear-end collisions.  These crashes, which are one of the four Critical Crashes, often result in extensive property damage, serious bodily injuries, or death.  They are often much more severe when a large truck is involved.