Accidents on the road can occur for a host of different reasons and involve many different vehicles. Whether because of distracted driving, poor weather conditions, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, accidents can and do happen. At best, these accidents leave you with a few scratches and bruises. At worst, they can be fatal. One such that is more devastating than the rest is a . accidents often have a much higher risk of being fatal than accidents involving passenger vehicles.
Large trucks continue to fill the roads in the United States, especially here in Texas. As more people relocate to Texas, the size of the in the state also rises. Commercial trucks are responsible for transporting roughly 70% of all products in the U.S. to their destinations. There are nearly 16 million large trucks traveling the nation’s streets, and those numbers look to increase over the coming years. However, as the amount of large trucks rises, so too will the number of accidents.
Not only are accidents devastating, but they are also much more complicated to navigate compared to accidents involving passenger vehicles. companies‘ deep pockets intimidate victims, persuading them not to take legal action. That is why it is so vital to have the assistance of a trusted on your side. If you were involved in a contact Wormington & Bollinger and let us fight for you.
Statistics
One of the main reasons accidents are so dangerous is because of their size. These trucks, which can be a and an 18-wheeler, are roughly 80,000 pounds, nearly 20 times heavier than traditional passenger vehicles. While passenger vehicles sit at an average length of about 15ft, large trucks stretch to nearly 70-80ft long. As you can see, this difference in size is a contributing factor to the devastating nature of these accidents.
To get a better grasp of accidents, we have compiled a list of useful statistics:
- In 2017, there were 4,761 deaths caused by accidents.
- 72% of those deaths were drivers or occupants of other vehicles, while 18% were drivers of commercial trucks. The remaining 10% were pedestrians, cyclists, or other individuals not in a .
- accidents make up 74% of all fatal accidents.
- 30% of fatal crashes and 12% of injury cases in work zones involved large trucks.
- Deaths in accidents made up 11% of all motor deaths.
- Tire defects account for about 30% of all accidents.
- Texas had the highest number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes at 621.
- Most 18-wheelers require as much as 30% more stopping distance.
As you can see, these are often quite devastating, leading to death in many instances. That is why it is so vital to understand the danger these trucks present so that you can be more prepared when sharing the road with them.
Causes
Even though you may be the most careful driver in the world, you cannot always prevent a . Some factors are out of your control. As we mentioned previously, there are countless factors that play into a . While some are more dangerous than others, each can lead to devastation. Here are some of the most common causes of :
- Distracted drivers
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Inexperience or inadequate training
- Speeding
- Improperly loaded cargo, such as unsecured loads or uneven loads
- Mechanical failures, such as tire defects or engine issues
- Poor maintenance
- Failure to obey traffic signs, lights, and laws
- Inclement weather
- Poor road conditions
While most of the above are common causes that involve the , drivers of passenger vehicles can be just as at fault. Drivers of passenger vehicles can cause a by:
- Driving too close to trucks
- Driving in a ‘s blind spot or no-zones
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Following too close behind a ; remember they require much longer stopping distance
- Abruptly changing lanes or cutting off a
While a must have adequate training on how to operate their , other drivers on the road must practice safe driving, as well. Because commercial vehicles are so much larger than passenger vehicles, all drivers must be cautious to protect themselves and other drivers.
Avoiding Accidents
All drivers must have adequate training on how to operate their , regardless of size. Whether you drive a , motorcycle, or , you must have the proper training. This training can help you avoid disaster. However, there are plenty of other ways to prevent a . Some ways include:
- Never tailgate an 18-wheeler. Keep a safe distance behind them to give yourself time to break.
- Avoid a ‘s blind spots or no-zones so that the can see you.
- Give clear signals about what your next move will be.
- Be on the lookout for a ‘s signals to find out if they are merging, changing lanes, or turning.
- Avoid distractions, such as cell phones, applying makeup, or food.
- Never drink and drive.
- Pass with care and caution when going around a .
- Be mindful of a ‘s wide turns and slow stopping speeds.
- Yield to a turning or changing lanes.
- For drivers: take breaks when needed and never drive when tired.
Commercial trucks continue to fill the highways, interstates, rural roads, and city streets around the country, especially here in Texas. The more trucks there are on the roads, the risk for accidents increases. While rules and laws exist to protect all drivers, accidents still do happen. Accidents involving large trucks are often complicated. victims often avoid pursuing legal action due to the deep pockets of a . However, having a who understands these things and is prepared to fight for the justice you deserve is beneficial. If you were involved in a , contact Wormington & Bollinger today.