Drivers of traditional motor vehicles such as cars, minivans and SUVs may overlook the special conditions that truck drivers face while on the roads. Due to their sheer size and weight, it is not uncommon for serious injuries or even death to occur for those involved in a truck accident. Knowing and understanding the special inherent dangers that trucks face on the roads can help protect one from the possibility of a serious or fatal truck accident.
Due to the size and shape of a truck, it is more difficult for a truck to maneuver than a car. Trucks need more space to turn, more space to stop, and more time to increase their speed. Truck drivers also face limited visibility on the road, especially in blind spots on either side of the truck, and directly behind the truck.
In addition, truck drivers are especially vulnerable to hazardous conditions. Heavy crosswinds may force a truck to make an unexpected lane change or veer off the road. Slippery conditions or sudden turns may also cause a truck to jackknife. The cargo in a truck, such as fuel deliveries or hazardous materials may also cause additional dangers when involved in a collision.
According to statistics from the United States Department of Transportation, yearly accidents involving truck accidents with injuries account for around 100,000 per year, and fatalities in the thousands. With this in mind, it is in everyone's best interest to be mindful of the limitations of trucks on the road and take precautionary measures to minimize the chance of a truck accident.
Source: Findlaw.com, "Truck Accident Overview," Accessed on Nov. 1, 2016
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