The spread of the coronavirus in Portland has left many people out of work. Truck drivers are a notable exception. The high demand for groceries, paper products, medical equipment, and other much needed supplies is keeping them busy. While motor vehicle traffic has decreased, there are still plenty of truckers on the road and the risk of truck accidents is high. To protect yourself, be aware of the dangers and what to do in the event a crash or collision occurs.
Truckers Play Vital Role in Midst of Coronavirus
COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus, has dramatically changed daily life in Portland. While many are out of work and prohibited from going to favorite restaurants or local attractions, grocery shopping is one of the few outings permitted. To keep store shelves stocked, truckers are finding themselves in high demand.
Alongside medical professionals and grocery store employees, truck drivers are among a handful of different types of workers who are still working during the pandemic. According to a March 23, 2020 USA Today news report, more than 3.5 million truckers in the U.S. remain on the job. In addition to their concerns about exposing themselves to the virus, truckers need to be aware of how the current situation increases their truck accident risks.
Driving a semi-truck, 18 wheeler, or other big rig is demanding. Concerns over their families and what is going on with the pandemic can easily impact a trucker’s driving abilities. Alongside stress, other factors likely to make truck accidents more common during this time include:
- Lack of sleep, due to picking up additional shifts;
- Tight schedules, which increase speeding and other reckless driving risks;
- Closures at truck stops, which can prevent trucker from getting food or taking breaks;
- Increased risk of distractions, due to concerns over their families and the situation at large.
Ways Older Adults Can Protect Themselves
Trucks are massive vehicles weighing as much as 80,000 tons. When a truck accident does occur, it tends to impact other motorists on the road. While motorists and truckers are still required to follow standard procedures for handling any type of crash or collision as outlined by the Portland Police Bureau, there are some additional precautions you need to take due to the coronavirus. These include:
- Maintain social distancing with the truck driver and any others involved;
- Realize that it may take police slightly longer to respond;
- Jot down the driver’s name, the company they work for, and the date and time the truck accident occurred;
- Use disinfecting wipes, gloves, or other items from your vehicle to handle driver’s licenses, insurance cards, or other items exchanged.
Reach Out To Our Portland Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck accidents can leave you suffering serious injuries, which leave you facing heavy medical expenses and other costs. At the Johnston Law Firm P.C., we help you get the compensation you need to recover. Call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Portland truck accident attorneys online and request a consultation today.