Trucks share the road with passenger vehicles every day. If a driver makes a simple mistake, such as taking their eyes off the road for just a moment, it can be deadly for anyone in the way. Tractor trailers are not simple to drive, and they require a careful understanding of vehicle operation and roadway laws, which our Philadelphia tractor trailer accident attorney understands.
Consider some of the most common reasons tractor trailer accidents are so dangerous on today’s roadways.
#1: The Size of the Truck
Tractor trailers are large vehicles. These vehicles, also called 18-wheelers, can weigh between 20,000 and 35,000 pounds empty and as much as 80,000 pounds when filled with products. That weight complicates every factor of truck operation. It makes it harder to navigate in tight spaces and makes hills dangerous. It also makes stopping much harder. Note that this size also creates an increased risk for anyone struck by that vehicle. The damage is nearly always serious.
#2: Bigger Blind Spots
All vehicles have blind spots, or areas behind and to the side of the vehicle, that are harder for the driver to monitor. These areas on a truck are more significant. Many modern trucks have cameras on them that help minimize those blind spot risks, such as the space right in front of the truck and at the rear. Yet, even in these cases, those blind spots are common areas where accidents happen. If you are driving to the rear and left of the driver, for example, the risks of an accident are higher.
#3: Drivers Are Often Tired
Truck drivers spend long hours on the roadways. Even though this is the work they do and they are used to long hours behind the wheel, all drivers get tired from time to time. Considering the weight and difficulty of operating these vehicles, along with that fatigue, it is clear that there are substantial risks to others on the road with these trucks.
Note that there are numerous rules in place that aim to minimize the risk of a tired driver behind the wheel. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration oversees these compliance requirements. When an accident happens, it is crucial to determine if the driver was, in fact, meeting these obligations.
#4: Cargo Concerns
Another reason trucks are very dangerous is because of the cargo they are carrying with them. That cargo in itself may be risky, but hazardous materials are not the most common concern. What does matter is whether or not that cargo is secure.
Cargo that gets loose or is not balanced within the trailer of the truck can create instability for the vehicle. This makes it more likely to roll over or to struggle to brake when it needs to do so. In some situations, cargo can become so loose it causes an accident as it comes off the truck and onto the road.
#5: They Are Challenging to Drive
Trucks require a special license. Drivers spend a significant amount of time learning to operate these vehicles in a safe manner. They also spend a great deal of time learning how to maneuver around various risky areas. Having these skills is critical.
Yet, even in the most ideal type of training with ample experience, there is still a risk that a driver will make a mistake that causes an accident. That is especially true in situations where the driver is fatigued or dealing with poor weather conditions. In some areas, where roadways are narrow, or turns are tight, the risk of an experienced driver causing an accident is very real.
#6: Drivers Can Be Distracted
Distracted driving is another key factor to consider when it comes to operating on today’s roadways. Truck drivers, like any other driver, can be distracted by smartphones, navigational tools, or other distractions within the cab of their vehicle. These distractions take their focus off the road, and that makes it far more challenging to react when road conditions change or when someone walks in front of the truck. In many situations, even skilled drivers will be distracted by food, podcasts, or heated conversations with others.
#7: Poor Maintenance and Upkeep
Trucks can be challenging to maintain as well. Like other rules, there are numerous requirements in place that limit these risks by requiring truck owners and drivers to follow specific strategies to maintain the vehicle. When this does not happen, though, tire blowouts, engine failures, and complex other concerns can occur, causing serious injury to victims in cars near the truck.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Trusted Legal Team to Know What Your Rights Are
If you are in a tractor trailer accident, hire an attorney familiar with these dangers to help build your case. Turn to Kwartler Manus for a free consultation to start the conversation.