Trucks are massive vehicles. Semi-trucks themselves can weigh several tons empty, and when fully loaded, their weight increases. Thus, large trucks are not just large in width — they’re large as well in terms of weight.
When these wide, weighty trucks are on the road, they generally either reach their destination safely or, in some cases, experience issues ranging from minor disruptions to serious accidents, posing a significant risk to passenger vehicles.
Greatest risk: Those inside passenger vehicles
Studies indicate that 66% of fatalities in large truck crashes involve occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles. This is primarily due to the immense size and weight difference between trucks and cars.
Fully loaded trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, far exceeding the weight of most passenger vehicles. Also, because the truck is tall and the clearance is low, there’s a risk that a car can be crushed under the truck’s trailer during a collision.
The difference in scale between trucks and passenger vehicles can lead to various dangerous collisions, such as underride accidents. If a truck drifts into a passenger vehicle’s lane or collides with it, those in smaller vehicles face a high risk of fatality.
Common truck-passenger vehicle accidents
Some of the most common and potentially devastating accidents include:
- Underride accidents: Passenger vehicles sliding underneath the truck’s trailer
- Override accidents: Trucks driving over passenger vehicles
- T-bone collisions: Impacts at intersections
- Jackknife accidents: The truck’s trailer swinging out to the side
There’s an even greater danger due to factors such as trucks’ longer braking distances and the potential for driver fatigue from long hours on the road. Once a mix of these elements is present, a collision is nearly unavoidable.
What passenger vehicle drivers can do in dangerous situations
When sharing the road with large trucks, passenger vehicle occupants can take several precautions to enhance their safety. First and foremost, maintaining a safe following distance from trucks should be the norm. This allows more time to react if the truck suddenly brakes or maneuvers unexpectedly.
When passing a truck, avoid staying beside them for longer than necessary. Instead, remember these points:
- Pass at a steady, safe speed without lingering at the side of the truck.
- Merge back only when you see the whole truck in your rearview mirror.
- Always use turn signals to communicate your intentions clearly.
- Exercise extra caution in adverse weather conditions.
If you find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation with a truck, remain calm and focused. If possible, safely reduce your speed and create more distance between your vehicle and the truck. In extreme cases, it may be safer to carefully pull off the road rather than remain in a hazardous position near the truck.
Catastrophic accidents and compensation
Remember, truck drivers are professionals, but they face challenges due to their vehicle’s size and weight. It’s important to stay alert, avoid distractions and practice defensive driving techniques. When catastrophic accidents happen, personal injury law can help victims seek rightful compensation.