Following a semi-truck rollover on Arizona 87, near Gilbert Road, two people were transported to the hospital. According to AZ Central, the two southbound lanes of the roadways were closed at about 9:00 a.m. at Shea Boulevard. The northbound lanes at Gilbert Road were also closed, but were later reopened. In the accident, diesel fuel was spilled all over the roadway. Hazardous materials crew from the Department of Public Safety were on scene to help to contain and clean the mess.
Officials report that both of the occupants in the semi-truck were transported to the Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center.
Our Mesa trucking accident attorneys understand that there were close to 200,000 vehicles involved in traffic accidents in the state of Arizona in 2012. Of these vehicles, close to 15,000 of them were large trucks and buses. In these accidents, there were close to 50 people killed and another 2,500 people injured, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
While we’re out there sharing the roadways with these large and powerful vehicles, it’s important that we’re driving with the utmost caution as one wrong move could potentially cost us our life.
The Arizona Trucking Association’s “Share the Road/NO Zone” (STR) Program launched back in 2004 under a grant from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. Through this program, volunteer and staff presenters travel throughout the State of Arizona spreading the message of how to safely share the road with big trucks, while also promoting safety belt use and sharing other safety information with the motoring public.
The Share The Road Message:
-Avoid hanging on the side of trucks. Large commercial vehicles have big blind spots and when you can’t see the driver, more than likely the driver cannot see you. Avoid these areas at all costs.
-Do not tailgate large trucks. Not only can they not see you in this area, but you’re increasing your risks for an accident as you’re limiting your ability to react to potential danger.
-Pass safely. When you’ve got to pass a commercial vehicle, make sure that you can see both of their headlights in your rear-view mirror before getting back into the lane.
-Be on the lookout for reversing trucks. Each year, there are hundreds of pedestrians and motorists who are injured or killed by ignoring trucks that are reversing. Steer clear.
-Stay away from “squeeze play.” This is trying to turn on the inside of a truck making a turn. Watch for a truck’s blinkers and give them room while they’re turning.
-Always buckle in. Buckle up for safety and control. If you are in a crash, a seat belt can save your life and those around you.
Remember that you don’t stand much of a chance when involved in a traffic accident with a semi-truck, a tractor-trailer or another kind of large, commercial vehicle. As a matter of fact, in accidents that involve large trucks, the occupants of a car, usually the driver, sustain 78 percent of fatalities.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact our Mesa personal injury attorneys at (480) 833-1113 to discuss your rights.
