What is Failure to Maintain Proper Lookout?

Every driver has a duty to maintain a proper lookout while operating a motor vehicle. Maintaining a proper lookout means devoting your full attention to driving, continuously monitoring road conditions, and watching out for vehicles or pedestrians, using all available means (i.e. windshield, side windows, and mirrors).

Because of the sheer size of 18-wheelers and similar commercial trucks, these vehicles have four large blind spots known as “no zones.” As a result, they take longer to completly stop, a wider turning radius, and are generally more difficult to maneuver.

This means that truck drivers must be even more vigilant to keep a proper lookout.

Giving all of your attention to the task of driving is a fundamental component of maintaining a proper lookout. Inattentive or distracted driving is a serious problem among all drivers, but is especially dangerous for truckers. Distracted driving significantly increases the likelihood of being involved in a crash.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that 71% of large-truck crashes take place when the truck driver was distracted from the task of driving.

When a truck driver’s eyes are off the road, their mind is not focused on operating the vehicle, or their hands are away from the wheel, it is endangering the lives of those around them.

Inadequate Surveillance

Inadequate surveillance occurs when a driver fails to check the proper areas or does not see a hazard when attempting to complete a maneuver. This most commonly happens during lane changes and turns at intersections. This is why the FMCSA recommends that truck drivers:

  • Check mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds and prior to changing lanes, merging, or turning.
  • Maintain a lookout at least 15 seconds in front of the vehicle (approximately 1/4 of a mile on the interstate and 1 1/2 blocks in the city) in order to respond on-time, adapt to changing conditions, and avoid unexpected braking situations.
  • Check left, right, and left again when approaching an intersection.
  • Watch out for brake lights.

According to the FMCSA, one of the most common causes of large truck crashes is inadequate surveillance by the driver. In fact, 14 percent of accidents involving large trucks are due to drivers’ inadequate surveillance.

Inadequate Evasive Action

Driving responsibly includes keeping a lookout for hazards that can be reasonably anticipated. Inadequate evasive action is when a driver fails to execute a proper maneuver that would avoid a collision. This could include things like failing to slow down for stopped traffic or abruptly steering to avoid an object or vehicle.

Based on data from FMCSA, inadequate evasive action is a primary or contributing factor in 14 percent of large-truck crashes. Heavy-duty tractor-trailers can take 20-40 percent farther than passenger vehicles to stop, which means that truck drivers must constantly scan their driving environment to react in a safe and timely manner.

The Houston truck accident attorneys at The Krist Law Firm, P.C. understand how devastating a crash can be and know how to advocate for your interests. From identifying the liable parties to proving truck driver negligence, and negotiating for the compensation you deserve, we can make sure you are informed, respected, and properly represented from start to finish.

Call The Krist Law Firm Today

At The Krist Law Firm, P.C. we have over 27 years of experience handling nearly every type of truck accident case including:

We have the resources, knowledge, and skills handle your case effectievly, and have recovered millions for our clients.

Call us today at 281-283-8500 to receive a free case evaluation. We offer a no-risk consultation with one of our skilled Houston personal injury lawyers and we charge no fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.