Run under crashes usually result in serious injury or even death; but they are among the easiest crash types to prevent. As the name suggests, a run under crash occurs when a vehicle drives under or into your unit. One of the more dangerous maneuvers that can lead to a run-under crash is backing out onto a road. When backing onto a road, you have a limited field of vision. When we back out our vision is often blocked by a building or some other obstruction. Depending on your location, you may not be able to see much of the road. Mirrors can help, but they will only be able to show what is in the area behind you, not down the road. Backing out onto a roadway leaves your trailer exposed.
From your cab, it is almost impossible to tell if the road is clear for you to back out. Even ¼ mile may not be enough time for someone to see your trailer and stop in time. A conscientious amateur driver may watch for unexpected hazards on the road and prepare for a tractor-trailer to suddenly emerge onto the road. As a professional truck driver, you know this doesn’t describe the majority of motorists on today’s highways.
You must do your best to look out for both yourself and the people with whom you share the road. Backing out onto a road is a risky maneuver and should be avoided whenever possible.
What can you do instead? If you know you won’t have space to back out, try backing in. When you back in from a road into a driveway or a lot, you have a much wider view of the road. You can see traffic and can use your mirrors to see behind you. Throughout the maneuver, you will be able to assess traffic conditions and be sure that you are backing in at the best and safest time.
Whenever backing in a situation like this, a spotter should be utilized. A spotter can block traffic and help communicate the status of your turn to you. Remember, though, the spotter is there to assist you, not to drive your truck.
If you are in a particularly bad situation and you have no choice but to back out, contact a local law enforcement official. Police are trained to assist in situations like this and can be a valuable asset. Most police officers would rather spend a few minutes helping you out now than spend a few hours dealing with a potentially fatal crash later.
Another area where run under crashes frequently occur is in high traffic intersections. When a light turns green, drivers have an impulse to move through an intersection as quickly as possible. As a truck driver, you have up to 70 feet of vehicle under your control. Before you proceed through an intersection, you first have to make sure there is enough space on the other side to proceed. The last thing you need is the back of your trailer sticking out in the intersection. Don’t assume that a vehicle your size is impossible to miss. Run under crashes can occur in many situations–while making U-turns, backing off of a roadway, making a left turn onto a road, pulling across a highway at a two-way stop, etc. One thing to keep in mind is to always think ahead to help minimize the need to make these types of maneuvers. Many times these crashes happen because a driver got lost or missed a turn, and ended up having to back across a road or make a U-turn to get turned around. Make sure you have good directions to your destination. If you do get lost, wait until you find a safe place before turning around. A few extra miles and a few extra minutes could save a life.
We are here to answer your questions. Contact our Risk Management Specialist today!
Risk Management Specialist | Joe Morten & Son, Inc.
O: 865.392.3777 | C: 865.771.9506