Truck accidents are inherently more dangerous than passenger vehicle accidents due to trucks’ size, weight, poor maneuverability, and large blind spots. Learn about the dangers of truck accidents so you know how to protect yourself on the road.
What Makes Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
A fully-loaded tractor-trailer can leave devastating and fatal injuries in its wake in the event of an accident. Therefore, it’s in motorists’ best interest to understand what makes truck accidents so dangerous so they know what to avoid on the road.
Three elements that make trucks hazardous to other drivers include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Size and weight: First and foremost, what makes trucks so dangerous to other drivers is their size and weight. When fully-loaded, a truck has the potential to total smaller vehicles and leave passengers with catastrophic and fatal injuries.
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Poor maneuverability: Trucks’ size and weight also make them difficult to control in sudden traffic changes. This is why it’s recommended that truck drivers drive at or even below the posted speed limit to account for this inherent safety flaw. Additionally, it’s recommended that motorists do not pass a truck until they can see the front of the truck in their rearview mirror to account for the trucks’ required braking distance.
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Large blind spots: Trucks have large blind spots that make it difficult or impossible for truck drivers to see vehicles directly in front of them, directly behind them, and on either side. A good rule of thumb to follow is that if you cannot see the truck driver in the truck’s side-view mirror, assume the truck driver cannot see your vehicle.
Even if you are aware of all these hazards on the road, truck accidents may still happen. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, our Kansas City personal injury attorneys are here to help. We understand the devastating consequences that a truck accident can have on your life and independence. We want to help you recover the maximum compensation to get your life back on track.
Contact DiPasquale Moore at (816) 888-7500 to learn how we can assist you.