As a driver, you likely deal with large trucks on a daily basis. From major 18-wheelers carrying cargo across the U.S., to local garbage trucks traveling from one neighborhood to another, these big rigs pose some serious threats to the everyday motorist and are often involved in accidents. While drivers who operate vehicles of this size are required to have specialized training, and require different licensure than a regular driver, the very trucks themselves can often be the cause behind the collisions in which they are involved.
Large trucks have a variety of factors that can lead to accidents, including:
- Multiple blindspots in all directions.
- Sheer size makes them less maneuverable than their smaller counterparts.
- They take longer to brake, and require more distance to stop.
- They are highly susceptible to wind gusts and weather conditions.
These reasons, and more, are why trucks are feared, and why they are involved in collisions that are many times catastrophic for the drivers they hit (or that hit them). While there are never any guarantees while on the roadway, there are some ways you can protect yourself when driving near these large-scale vehicles. First, distance is always your friend when behind the wheel, but this is especially important when dealing with big trucks. As mentioned above, they take much longer, and require more distance, to stop, so you need to allow for that space. This space also plays to your advantage in regards to blind spots. Your biggest goal when near a big rig is to be seen, and make yourself known to the driver. Finally, be very aware of weather when on the road. If winds are gusty, or there is heavy rain, know that larger vehicles need an even longer stopping time and also can be shifted by windy conditions. If you haven’t allowed plenty of room between you and them, that wind could send them right into your car.
If you or someone you love has been affected by a collision with a large-scale truck, you could be eligible for compensation. Sessums Law Group specializes in standing up for victims in and around the greater Tampa area who have been involved in these accidents. When the unexpected happens, WE STAND FOR YOU!