This month, we covered a Fairfax County garbage truck accident that highlighted some of the dangers of sharing the road with commercial vehicles – the heavy, slow trucks make wide turns and sudden stops. However, there are a number of steps that other drivers on the road can take to prevent garbage truck accidents and share the road safely with these trucks:
- Understand that garbage trucks make stops. Much like mail carriers and buses, garbage trucks will often pull to the side of the road or pulling back into the street – two dangerous maneuvers, especially if other vehicles aren’t aware. Look for flashing lights and simply be ready for the truck to make an unpredictable turn, stop, or start.
- Slow down. Treat a garbage truck like a school bus; give the vehicle extra room, slow down when you see one, and be ready for the vehicle to make unpredictable movements.
- Look out for workers. One of the biggest dangers about garbage trucks is that they often have sanitation workers in, on, and around the vehicles to pick up and dispose of trash. Always be ready for one of these workers to exit the truck, jump off of the back, or walk around the vehicle.
- Pass with great care. Unlike school buses, you are legally allowed to pass a garbage truck – but this doesn’t mean passing is without hazards. Pass garbage trucks slowly while being aware of the vehicle’s large blind spots and workers.
Virginia garbage truck accidents can be serious, costly, and complicated – even at slow speeds. If you have been injured in such a collision, speak with a VA truck crash attorney today. Shapiro & Appleton& Duffan offers clients free, private consultations.