Many states have adopted initiatives to improve safety on our nation’s roads. One of those efforts is Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks (TACT), a federal program that has helped reduce truck-related fatalities. Although not adopted in the state of Ohio, there are ways drivers can help utilize this program.
Overview of TACT
Motorists ticketed for aggressive driving learn there is no tolerance for such behaviors on the road. But they may not realize that getting a ticket for aggressive driving could have prevented an accident.
TACT aims to increase public awareness on how to safely share the road with trucks. This traffic program uses enforcement to raise awareness on specific driver behaviors considered unsafe.
It incorporates evaluation activities, which identify problems and sets goals. It also encompasses communication, through media or the internet. The end goal is a reduction in accidents, injuries and deaths. Part of the success of this program includes utilizing outside resources.
Examples of others who may participate in TACT include:
- evaluators;
- law enforcement;
- local/state/industry partners; and
- communication specialists.
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How Drivers in Ohio Can Learn from TACT
Even though the state of Ohio hasn’t enacted this program, drivers can still do their part to adopt some of its objectives. By knowing how to drive safely around trucks it could prevent an accident and even save a life.
It’s important to first understand the definition of aggressive driving. Laws may vary from one state to the next, but in general it’s two or more reckless behaviors like:
- unsafe lane changes;
- tailgating; and
- speeding.
Unsafe Lane Changes
This can happen a variety of ways. One example is when a car cuts off a truck. The stopping distance is much longer for semis. This type of unsafe lane change increases the risk of getting struck from behind by a large truck, which could cause serious injury.
Another example is weaving in and out of traffic. This type of erratic behavior makes it difficult for truck drivers to know your intentions. Again, this increases the chance of a crash.
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Tailgating and Failing to Signal a Lane Change
Driving so close that one cannot see the entirety of the rear wheels of the car in front of oneself is unsafe. But with a truck, it’s especially dangerous for a couple of reasons. One is that the driver can’t see around the truck. The other is that if the truck suddenly slows down, there is the risk of running into the back of it. This can cause significant damage to both the vehicle and occupants.
Changing lanes without using a turn signal can be disastrous. Again, trucks take longer to stop. So if a vehicle suddenly goes into the same lane, the truck driver may not have enough time to slow down without colliding.
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Speeding
Speeding includes going over the posted speed limit or driving too fast for weather conditions. Both are dangerous behaviors that could cause a serious truck accident.
Although many crashes involving semis stem from truck driver error, it’s not always the case. To learn more about liability if you have suffered serious injuries in this type of accident, contact an attorney at Bressman Law today: (614) 538-1116.
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