Ri$k Happens: Share the road

Jun. 20, 2021 - By Angela Cady, AIC - Loss Analyst, ARA Insurance

The rental truck driver made a delivery in a rural area before returning to the highway for the long trek back to the rental store. He drove at the posted speed limit and kept his eyes on the road ahead. He knew this particular highway well and knew he would not need to slow or make any exits for quite a while. As he drove, he thought about the next job that was lined up for him when he got back.

Deep in thought, he did not notice the signs off to the side for an approaching construction zone. These signs directed him to reduce his speed. A short while later, he came up over a hill only to realize that traffic was at a complete standstill up ahead. Construction had reduced the four-lane highway to only one lane shared by each direction of traffic. A pilot car took cars through in turns. This had caused a backup of traffic. The rental store driver braked hard but skidded into the car in the back of the line. This car in turn was pushed into the next car in line.

The matter was reported to the rental store’s insurance carrier and is under investigation. Unanticipated hazards can arise at any time. Remind your drivers to use good defensive driving techniques and keep their hands on the wheel, their eyes on the road and their attention on driving.

This item, provided by ARA Insurance, Kansas City, Mo., contains safety tips and is intended to help readers better understand and manage risk. For more safety and risk management information, customers of ARA Insurance can log on to ReSource. Access is free, so if you haven’t signed up yet, contact your agent or call 800-821-6580.

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