Each year, motorists will encounter county and city vehicles working to clean the streets and make sure they are free of debris and snow during winter.
Although these trucks are working to help the public, failing to drive safely around them can lead to accidents and injuries. Some county vehicles are often used around construction zones and will come in and out of the area, which can be dangerous if drivers fail to yield these vehicles.
Below are five safety tips to remember when driving around county vehicles:
- Slow down around work zones. Although construction zones typically have reduced speed limits, drivers should also slow down around county work vehicles and areas where workers are presently clearing the roads.
- Be mindful of blind spots. Many larger trucks have blind spots in the front and back of the vehicle. Avoid driving in a trucks blind spot to evade a collision.
- Use your turn signal. Be sure to signal you intentions and avoid making abrupt moves such as cutting in front of a county vehicle.
- Never pull put in front of a truck if you plan on slowing down or stopping. Large trucks typically need more room to make a complete stop. If you cut one of these trucks off and suddenly break, you risk being involved in a rear-end crash.
- Park as close to the curb as possible. Leave as much room as you can for county vehicles that are making their way through to clean the streets. Often times, the city will inform residents of overnight clean-ups being aware of clean ups and snow plow routes can help you avoid accidental vehicle damage.
County vehicles are used for city maintenance, however, these drivers must still be held responsible if they behave negligently while behind the wheel.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident caused by a county vehicle driver, you may be entitled to file a claim for damages you suffered.