Sharing the road with 18-wheelers is an everyday reality for millions of drivers. These massive commercial trucks are critical for transporting goods across the country. However, their size and weight create unique risks for other road users.
According to reliable statistics, large trucks were involved in over 5,000 fatal crashes in 2021 alone. Passenger vehicle drivers might want to understand these dangers. This way, they can adopt defensive driving practices to help ensure their safety on the road.
What makes commercial vehicles different?
Many road users might not know that commercial vehicles have extensive blind spots due to their size. When a road user is in a commercial vehicle’s blind spot, the truck driver may not see them.
Additionally, it might not be common knowledge that 18-wheelers require a lot of space to make turns, especially right turns. These wide turns can be unexpected for passenger vehicle drivers, who might mistakenly assume there’s room to pass.
Commercial vehicles also have a significantly longer stopping distance because they generate significant momentum when in motion. As such, it takes a while longer than usual for these vehicles to come to a complete halt.
Common causes of accidents
Many truck accidents happen because an exhausted truck driver is behind the wheel. After driving for long hours at a time, truck drivers can experience:
- Slows reaction times
- Impairs judgment
- Increasing accident risk
Sometimes, truck accidents happen due to improperly secured cargo. Suppose a truck’s load is not tightly secured; it can shift when the vehicle is in motion. This can destabilize the truck when cargo is in transit.
Tips for safely sharing the road
Being aware of the challenges that truck drivers face and the limitations of their vehicles can help with defensive driving. Other road users can safely share the road with 18-wheelers by following these guidelines:
- Always staying of a truck’s blind spots to help ensure truck drivers can see them
- Never merge in front of a truck unless there is ample space
- Leave plenty of space when following a truck
Caution and awareness are road users’ best tools for helping to ensure a safe journey when sharing the road with commercial vehicles.
The road can be unpredictable, but staying informed and practicing safe driving habits can minimize the risks of sharing the road with 18-wheelers. However, even the most cautious drivers can fall victim to unforeseen circumstances involving 18-wheelers. Affected road users can contact Mattox Law Firm PLLC for a free consultation and legal assistance in navigating the compensation process.