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Within 60 days, three drivers transporting for BP Lubricants were
involved in lane change accidents. In each of these accidents the drivers stated that they did not see the vehicle next to them. After having the opportunity to review pictures and video of these accidents, it is amazing that there were no serious injuries sustained by anyone involved in these accidents. The following information will describe and summarize the cause of each accident and will offer techniques and tips to avoid being involved in a lane change accident. Accident 1 A truck driver moved across the driving lane into the passing lane of an interstate highway without using his turn signal. The driver of the passenger car in that lane swerved away but then lost control and collided with the truck. A second passenger car also collided with the truck and ended up on its side in the median with the truck leaning on top of it. An investigation determined that the truck driver did not intend to change lanes but drifted into the other lane and caused the chain reaction accident. Accident 2 A truck driver was going down a mountain grade on an interstate highway in a construction zone. The third lane was closed and trucks were required to use the middle lane. The driver states that another truck passed him on the right side, pulled in front of him and suddenly slowed. In an effort to avoid hitting the truck in front of him he pulled into the right lane but did not see that there was already a passenger car in that lane which resulted in a crash. The carrier determined the truck driver was at fault because he was inattentive to his surroundings and did not keep proper space management around his vehicle. Accident 3 A truck driver pulled into the passing lane in order to go around a slower moving vehicle while traveling on an interstate highway. The truck hit a car that was passing the truck at the time it was changing lanes. A review of the dash camera video shows the driver checking his mirrors and putting on his turn signal before attempting to make the lane change, but he never saw the car. The video also confirms that the driver was talking on his cell phone at the time. It was determined that the cause of the accident was due to inadequate surveillance or inattention blindness which can best be described as “looking but not seeing”, due to being distracted by the conversation on his cell phone. We were extremely fortunate that no one was injured in these accidents but all had the potential to be much worse. If these drivers didn’t see a car along-side of them, what if it was a motorcycle? The results may have been tragic. Although the dash-cam video from these accidents cannot be shared, the link below from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website shows a very similar type near-miss accident. Near Miss Accident The following are tips provided by the FMCSA to avoid inadequate surveillance accidents. Inadequate surveillance occurs when the driver is in a situation where he/she is required to look to safely complete a maneuver and either fails to look in the appropriate place or “looks, but does not see.” The Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) reported that 14 percent of large-truck crashes occurred due to commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers’ inadequate surveillance.
you may not be aware of the size of your truck's blind spots. As a CMV driver, you are aware that some of your blind spots are large enough that a passenger vehicle can virtually disappear from your view. Remember that other drivers unfamiliar with commercial driving probably don’t realize this. 1/3rd. of all crashes between large trucks and cars takes place in the “No-Zone”.
due to the actions of others. To drive defensively you should: keep your distance, maintain a safe speed and stay alert. Recognizing potentially dangerous situations well in advance can allow you to safely maneuver past these situations. 75 percent of lane change/merge crashes involve a recognition failure by the lane-changing/merging driver.
the interstate and 1 1/2 blocks in the city). Looking far ahead will allow you to respond early and smoothly to changing conditions ahead and to avoid dangerous, abrupt braking.
you change lanes, turn, or merge. Check your mirrors quickly and return your attention to the road ahead. Frequent scanning will allow you to be aware of changing traffic conditions around your truck. If you check your mirrors regularly, they can help you spot overtaking vehicles. Mirrors will also help you monitor your surrounding environment and may help you identify if a vehicle has moved into your blind spot. Other tips to avoid these types of accidents include Mirror adjustment – Mirror adjustment should be checked prior to the start of any trip and can only be checked accurately when the trailer(s) are straight. You should check and adjust each mirror to show some part of the vehicle. This will give you a reference point for judging the position of the other images. Signal Your Intention – Other drivers cannot know what you are going to do until you tell them. Signaling what you intend to do is important for safety. Signal early and well before you turn, it is the best way to keep others from trying to pass you. Signal continuously, you need both hands on the wheel to turn safely. Do not cancel the signal until you have completed the turn. Cancel your signal manually because self-canceling signals may not work all the time. Don’t forget to turn off your turn signal after you have completed your turn. Technology – There is technology available through some OEM’s and through aftermarket vendors that provide lane departure warning systems in trucks (LDWS). There are many different types of LDWS available but the general intent is to provide a driver some type of warning during an unintentional lane change situation. Expect to see more options for trucks as these technologies develop. Remember, a truly professional driver is a safe driver, and there is no technology available that can replace an alert and attentive professional driver. Comments are closed.
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