Collision Risks of Tractor Trailer Trucks

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Truck Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that over 100,000 people were injured in the year 2012 due to accidents that involved large trucks, and the number of fatalities increased by 4 percent since 2011. Since then, the statistics have jumped around, but one factor has remained consistent throughout the NHTSA’s accident data: Large trucks are targets for collision incidents all over our nation’s roadways. Why Are Large Trucks Involved in So Many Collisions?

Speed: When general car crash statistics are examined, speed is often to blame for one vehicle striking another vehicle. Whether the cause for excessive speed stems from a driver making the deliberate choice to disobey posted speed limits or is a result of an impaired driver putting the pedal to the metal, speeding claims countless lives and causes an overwhelming number of injuries everyday. When it comes to large trucks, speed is less often a factor. Instead, the inability to stop in time is what puts large trucks at risk for collision. Trucks require more time to slow down and come to a complete stop, and when vehicle drivers speed around them, cut them off, weave between lanes, or run red lights, truck drivers are at a serious disadvantage.

Tailgating: Tailgating is another driving behavior that puts large trucks at great risk for collision on the highway. Trucks are often rear-ended when vehicles follow them too closely from behind. Rear-end impact paired with a truck’s large size, (in comparison to the size of the vehicles surrounding it), create a dangerous combination. It is not uncommon for tailgating behaviors to trigger pile-up style collisions, leaving the truck at the core of the accident. Again, the larger the truck, the slower its reaction time, which means the vehicles driving around large trucks have the potential to cause serious accidents. The NHTSA reported that large trucks are three times more likely to be struck in the rear than other vehicles. Fatigue and Inattention: Many truck drivers experience difficulty staying alert when they have been on the road for countless hours. They often struggle with intense fatigue, tiredness, and basic inattention, as they sometimes resort to fiddling with the radio, their phones, or other devices to keep them awake and occupied. Severe drowsiness is a common cause for accidents among truck drivers, and it is something all motorists must be on the lookout for. These factors are not always a reflection of the driver’s skills or safety record, however. It should be noted that drivers of large trucks are found to be less likely to have previous license suspensions or revocations than regular vehicle drivers.

If you have experienced a collision with a large truck, it is dire that you protect your rights and secure proper legal representation. Speak with a skilled, professional Lake County truck accident attorney right away. Call Salvi & Maher, LLP today at 847-662-3303 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811868.pdf

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Driving+Safety