Girardeau is situated along key trucking routes, including I-55 and Route 74. These highways experience heavy truck traffic daily, transporting goods across Missouri and beyond. While they’re vital for business, they also increase the chances of serious accidents, especially during peak travel hours.
Many truck crashes around Girardeau occur due to narrow roads, sudden lane changes, or ongoing construction zones. Big rigs also need more time to stop, making rear-end collisions more likely. In severe cases, it’s often necessary to hire a skilled truck accident attorney to determine what went wrong and how to proceed.
Safe Driving Practices Around Large Trucks
Staying safe around large trucks begins with adopting smart driving habits. These vehicles move differently from cars. They take longer to stop, need more space to turn, and have large blind spots. Here are a few simple ways you can protect yourself:
- Leave extra space. Don’t follow too closely. Trucks require more room to brake, and tailgating puts you at risk.
- Avoid blind spots. If you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you.
- Pass with care. Always pass on the left, and don’t cut back in too quickly after getting in front.
- Stay calm if a truck is swerving or tailgating. Slow down or safely change lanes. Give the truck space instead of speeding up.
- Put distractions away. Focused driving is essential when near large trucks that occupy a significant portion of the road.
High-Risk Areas and Times in Girardeau
Some parts of Girardeau see more truck accidents than others. Busy spots, such as the King’s Highway intersections and I-55 on- and off-ramps, are known trouble areas. These zones have a combination local traffic with heavy freight movement, increasing the likelihood of crashes.
Truck traffic often picks up early in the morning and late in the evening. That’s when many trucks are heading to or from warehouses and delivery points. Bad weather, such as thick fog or ice, exacerbates the situation. Even a short trip can turn risky when visibility drops or roads are slick.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety in Truck Zones
Walking or biking near trucks? Stay safe with these rules:
- Never cross in front of a stopped truck: they might pull forward unexpectedly.
- Use crosswalks and bike lanes: avoid shortcuts near loading docks or truck routes, such as Broadway.
- Wear bright colors at night: truck mirrors can’t catch everything.
- Assume drivers can’t see you: even if you see them, drivers may not be able to see you. Truck blind spots are huge.
One wrong move around a turning truck can be deadly. Stay alert!
What to Do if You Encounter Unsafe Truck Behavior
If you see a truck swerving, speeding dangerously, or behaving erratically, your priority is your safety. Pull over safely when you can, or change lanes to create more distance. Contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol if you believe the situation is a serious threat.
Information such as the truck’s company name, license plate number, and location helps authorities act swiftly. If you have a dashcam, the footage can help document the incident.
Staying Informed and Alert in Your Community
Being aware of local conditions can also help keep you safe in Girardeau. You should check local news and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) website for real-time road alerts, construction zones, or closures.
Apps that provide live traffic updates can also be beneficial. Remember that truck traffic can increase during harvest or holidays, so always stay extra alert.
