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Driving around large commercial trucks can be scary. You never know what the driver will do, and when more than one truck is around, the dangers heighten. You can stay safe if you recognize what truckers may do and how they typically move around other vehicles.
One such danger to be aware of is an “elephant race.” Below, we’ll help you learn what this is and what you can do to stay safe.
What Is An Elephant Race?
An elephant race occurs when one large commercial truck attempts to pass another. This action is typically more dangerous on roads with just two lanes moving in the same direction, but they can create hazards no matter how many lanes a roadway has.
The problem arises when the passing truck is still slower than the rest of the traffic. It causes the vehicles behind the truck to slow down erratically, which is when many accidents take place.
How Can I Stay Safe?
If you approach a potential elephant race, you must prepare accordingly. Here are some ways to stay safe:
- Look for truck drivers indicating their intentions to merge.
- Avoid merging into another lane when the truck merges into your lane.
- Be sure to give enough space to the truck driver to get over.
- Don’t speed up and follow too closely behind the truck.
Unfortunately, not all drivers know how to approach these situations. If you’re unsure how to handle an elephant race, you can find yourself in a significant crash. A crash involving a large truck can result in some of the most catastrophic injuries.
At Walner Law®, we aim to look out for your best interests. If you suffer a severe injury, our Chicago truck accident lawyers will stand by your side and give you a voice to seek the compensation you need and deserve. You can trust our team to fight for your rights and go the extra mile to pursue the most favorable outcome.