NEWS
Why Gainesville Residents Should Watch Out for Commercial Trucks
Gainesville, Florida, has fewer than 134,000 residents. However, many commercial trucks rumble through it on their way to other places. These 18-wheelers weigh a lot, and they’re enormous.
If you reside in the Gainesville area, you should watch out for these vehicles while on the road. You should also exercise caution around them if you’re walking, jogging, or cycling near one.
We’ll talk about why you should look out for these trucks in the following article.
Large Trucks Can Cause Extensive Damage
2019 saw 5,005 large truck fatal accidents. Most of those accidents involved commercial vehicles like the ones you sometimes see in and around Gainesville.
When you see one of these large trucks on the road, you should know the driver needs a commercial license to operate one. It takes time and patience to get one of these licenses. The driver must pass a written test, and they must pass a driving test as well, the same as with noncommercial driver’s licenses.
Once someone has that commercial driver’s license, they will likely support themselves, and possibly a family as well, with the money they get from truck driving. They should know to exercise caution around other cars and any pedestrians or cyclists they see when they’re driving on local streets.
That doesn’t mean a driver might not experience fatigue if they’ve been out on the road for many hours, though. Laws exist that prohibit truck drivers from driving more than eight hours at a time without stopping for at least a half-hour break. Still, sleep-deprived truckers can lose control of these vehicles if they aren’t careful, and if that ever happens, one of these massive trucks can careen out of control.
That’s one major reason why Gainesville residents need to watch out for them if they see one near them on the highway or a local road.
They Have Large Blind Spots
You also need to watch out for these trucks because they have much larger blind spots than the average vehicle. With regular cars, you know to turn and check the blind spot on your left and slightly behind you before you change lanes. Experienced drivers know to do that, and some cars come with blind-spot object alert systems at this point as well.
Commercial trucks have more blind spots than the average car, though, and larger ones too. With commercial trucks, there’s a blind spot in the same place that a car has one, but they also have them directly in front and behind the vehicle.
If you get too close to a large commercial truck, and you’re in one of their blind spots, they might hit your car. You’d hope a truck driver knows to check the areas all around the truck before they change lanes or accelerate, but a single careless moment can prove disastrous.
You can avoid this issue by staying away from these trucks as much as you can. Accelerating and getting away from them on the highway, or slowing down so they can pass you, means you’ll have distance between your vehicle and the truck in question.
Florida is a Bad Place for Pedestrians and Cyclists
If you see a commercial truck on local roads, that probably means it’s about to pick up a load, or maybe it just dropped one off. These trucks, because they can’t maneuver very well in narrow streets, try to stay on the highways as much as possible.
Gainesville residents should know, though, that Florida in general is not kind to pedestrians and cyclists. It’s a state where pedestrian and cyclist accidents happen pretty frequently. Some drivers don’t watch for these individuals as much as they should, and that’s true in Gainesville, just like elsewhere in the state.
You’re in trouble if you’re out for a walk or a bike ride and a car hits you, but imagine what might happen if a commercial truck strikes you. You risk serious injury or death if that occurs.
Again, you’d expect the truck driver knows to check for pedestrians and cyclists, but one careless moment might change or even end your life. If you go out for a walk, a jog, or a bike ride, watch out for these large trucks and give them a wide berth. Stand well back from the road if one goes past, and make sure to only cross the street in the crosswalk if you’re on a road where you sometimes encounter these multiple-ton juggernauts.
Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.
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Codependency is a complex and often misunderstood concept that has profound implications for individuals and their relationships. It is frequently associated with substance use disorder (SUD), forming a complicated web that can hinder recovery and exacerbate the challenges faced by those affected. This article aims to shed light on the intricate nature of codependency, its relation to SUD, and the pathways toward healthier, more balanced relationships and recovery.
Defining Codependency
Codependency is a relational pattern characterized by excessive reliance on another person, often to the detriment of one’s own needs, well-being, and self-esteem. It typically involves a one-sided, unhealthy emotional or psychological dependence on a partner, family member, or friend. Codependent individuals often prioritize others’ needs, emotions, and desires over their own, often to an extreme degree.
Codependency and Substance Use Disorder: A Complex Connection
The link between codependency and SUD is intricate and often reciprocal. While not all codependent individuals develop SUD, and not all individuals with SUD are codependent, there are several ways in which these two issues can interconnect:
1. Enabling Behavior: Codependents often engage in enabling behaviors, such as covering up for the addicted individual’s actions, making excuses, or providing financial support. These actions inadvertently perpetuate the addiction.
2. Emotional Dependence: Individuals with SUD may become emotionally dependent on their codependent partners or family members for support, both financially and emotionally.
3. Shared Trauma: Codependency and addiction can have shared roots in trauma or dysfunctional family dynamics, creating a cycle of dependency and addiction within families.
4. Relief from Codependent Stress: Some individuals with codependent tendencies may turn to substances as a coping mechanism to alleviate the stress and emotional turmoil caused by their codependency.
5. Mutual Isolation: Both codependent individuals and those with SUD may become socially isolated as their behaviors and relationships become increasingly focused on the codependent dynamic.
6. Rescue Fantasy: Codependent individuals may hold a “rescue fantasy,” believing that their love and support can save the addicted individual from their substance abuse. This fantasy can lead to disappointment and further enabling.
Breaking the Cycle: Recognizing and Addressing Codependency
Recognizing codependency is the first step toward breaking the cycle and promoting healthier relationships, whether they are with individuals struggling with SUD or others. Here are some strategies for addressing codependency:
1. Self-Awareness: Begin by examining your own behaviors and patterns in relationships. Are you excessively focused on someone else’s needs to the detriment of your own? Do you struggle with setting and maintaining boundaries?
2. Seek Professional Help: Codependency can be challenging to address on your own. Consider seeking therapy or counseling to explore the root causes of codependency and develop healthier relationship skills.
3. Support Groups: Support groups for codependency, such as Codependents Anonymous (CoDA), provide a safe space to share experiences and gain insight from others who have faced similar challenges.
4. Develop Boundaries: Learning to establish and maintain healthy boundaries is crucial. This includes recognizing your own limits and communicating them assertively.
5. Self-Care: Prioritize self-care practices that nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This may involve hobbies, exercise, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness.
6. Challenge Negative Self-Talk: Work on improving your self-esteem by challenging negative self-talk and building self-compassion. You are deserving of love and respect.
7. Learn Healthy Relationship Skills: Develop healthier relationship skills, such as effective communication, active listening, and conflict resolution. These skills are essential for building balanced, supportive relationships.
Codependency and Recovery: Supporting Loved Ones with SUD
For those who have loved ones with SUD and recognize codependent tendencies within themselves, it is possible to navigate the path of recovery together. Here are some strategies for providing support while maintaining your own well-being:
1. Educate Yourself: Learn about SUD, its effects, and available treatment options. Understanding the nature of addiction can reduce feelings of confusion and helplessness.
2. Set Boundaries: Establish clear and healthy boundaries with your loved one. Communicate your limits and expectations, and be prepared to enforce them consistently.
3. Encourage Treatment: Encourage your loved one to seek professional treatment for their SUD. Offer support and assistance in finding appropriate resources.
4. Attend Support Groups: Consider attending support groups for family members of individuals with SUD, such as Al-Anon or Nar-Anon. These groups provide valuable insights and guidance from others who have faced similar challenges.
5. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care and maintain your own well-being. Caring for yourself ensures that you have the emotional and physical resources to support your loved one effectively.
6. Avoid Enabling: Refrain from engaging in enabling behaviors that inadvertently support your loved one’s addiction. Instead, focus on supporting their recovery efforts.
7. Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with a therapist or counselor experienced in addiction and family dynamics. They can provide personalized guidance and strategies for navigating the complexities of codependency and addiction within a family.
Conclusion
Codependency and SUD are complex issues that can intertwine and exacerbate each other’s challenges. Recognizing codependent behaviors and seeking help are crucial steps in breaking the cycle and promoting healthier relationships. Whether you are personally grappling with codependency or supporting a loved one with SUD, remember that recovery is possible, and there are resources and strategies available to navigate these intricate and often emotionally charged situations. By fostering self-awareness, setting boundaries, and seeking professional guidance, individuals can begin the journey toward healthier, more balanced relationships and recovery.
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