My wife has driven a 3 hour stretch on I-81 six times in the last 3 weeks with our kids in the back of her car. Because she has extended family in Front Royal, VA; Manassas, VA; and Martinsburg, WV, she has seen her share of roadkill, mile marker signs, and yes, accidents. Local news outlets, including The Roanoke Times and WSLS have reported that our stretch of I-81 is the most dangerous according to VDOT crash statistics.
While drivers can’t control every circumstance, there are simple steps we can take to avoid serious injuries that can result from an auto accident.
When driving on I-81 and especially near tractor trailers, use these precautions:
1) Keep in mind that it takes a tractor trailer traveling at a speed of 65 mph needs approxiamately 300 feet to come to a full stop, so never abruptly change lanes, come to an abrupt stop, or pull out in front of a “Big Rig.”
2) Allow plenty of room for a tractor trailer to turn.
3) Always use turn signals.
4) Maintain a safe speed.
5) Adjust your speed according to weather conditions.
6) Do not ride beside tractor trailers.
7) Do not “draft”. Maintain at least a 4 second following distance.
8) Be aware. Drivers of “Big Rigs” are only human, and some drivers, like drivers in cars, may be drowsy, distracted, or even careless.
9) If you are stopped behind a truck on a incline, leave adequate room for the truck to “roll back” as the driver puts the truck in gear.
10) Do not text, drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol or drive tired on I-81 or on any other road!
11) Stay alert and get plenty of rest before you begin your journey. Never drive on I-81 or any other road while feeling tired or sleepy.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, call Paul Thomson, of The Thomson Law Firm, in Roanoke, Virginia today. The call is free and you will speak to an attorney (540) 777-4900.
