If you’ve spent much time on the nation’s highways, you’ve probably seen a truck or two that’s given you cause for concern.
If you see a half-asleep trucker weaving along or another with one hand on the wheel and the other on a phone, what should you do?
Here are the steps to take:
1. First, put some distance between yourself and the truck that’s concerning you. That not only protects you if the truck should veer into your lane, but it gives you a chance to see if there’s a company number on the back of the truck. If there is, see if a passenger can take a quick picture of the number and the truck’s license plate.
2. Pull over. You don’t want to create a problem for yourself by trying to manage the call you need to make and your car at the same time.
3. Call 911. Be as specific as possible about what you observed and why you think that truck is endangering others on the road. Try to give the 911 operator your exact location based on your GPS, the mile marker or any signs you’ve seen on the highway. Give the operator as much identifying information about the truck as you can to make it easier for police up the road to spot.
4. If you were able to get the contact number and license plate (or other identifying information, like a truck number) call the trucking company. Most companies have an operator who will respond to calls regardless of the time of day or night. They can also reach their driver and ask the driver to pull over until relief arrives if the driver is drowsy.
Remember, you aren’t acting out of maliciousness and trying to get anyone in trouble — you’re possibly saving the life of the trucker as well as anyone else sharing the road!
Anyone who is injured due to the negligent driving of another should consider talking to an attorney about the possibility of a lawsuit to recover for his or her injuries.
Source: Consumer Reports, “Should I call 911 to report a reckless driver?,” accessed Aug. 3, 2017
