Unfortunately for motorists on Atlanta’s roadways, tractor trailers can present significant dangers. The enormous size and weight of these vehicles inherently means that they have more potential for causing harm and property damage in the event of a crash. These risks are especially present when a tractor trailer rolls over onto a nearby automobile. Frighteningly, a local woman experienced this firsthand on Friday, June 6th.
While travelling along Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road NW at Old Peachtree Road in Suwanee, the woman’s vehicle was crushed by a tractor trailer that rolled over the median. The truck and its trailer appeared to have separated. The impact crushed the roof of the woman’s car even though she was driving in the opposite lane. The accident occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. Gwinnett County Fire Department Public Information Officer, Tommy Rutledge, reported that the woman was conscious, alert, and breathing after the crash. She was able to crawl partially out of the vehicle and was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville for treatment of her injuries. The driver of the tractor trailer was amazingly not injured.
Four Ways to Prevent an Injury From a Tractor-Trailer Rollover
While the risk of involvement in a tractor-trailer rollover is ever present, there are certain actions drivers can take to reduce the danger. The following are four examples:
- Allow for a safe distance between your vehicle and the tractor trailer. There are many reasons that a rollover can occur. To protect yourself, put adequate space between your car and the truck.
- If you find yourself traveling alongside a truck, slow down or speed up in order to get out of the danger zone. If the truck rolls over and you are beside it, you are in the riskiest place that you could be in.
- Use extra caution when entering a corner. Turns and sharp bends in the road raise the risk of a rollover. Allow for safe distances, travel slowly, and be ready to take avoidance measures if necessary.
- Use added caution when the roads are icy or wet. These weather condition make driving more dangerous, increasing the risk of a rollover.
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