Roadways are filled with massive tractor-trailers responsible for transporting essential goods across the state and country. While most motorists are somewhat used to navigating around these giant vehicles, drivers who have a better understanding of how commercial trucks operate may be able to prevent a catastrophic accident from occurring. There are some behaviors drivers can practice to maximize their safety on the freeway.
Trucks Need a Greater Distance to Stop
Tractor trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, they may exceed 70 feet in length, making them much more challenging to maneuver than a traditional motor vehicle. Semi-trucks require a longer stopping distance to compensate for their size and weight. For example, a car going 55 mph will take an average of 240 feet to come to a complete stop. Conversely, a tractor-trailer can take 450 feet or more to stop, depending on its exact weight, length, and how fast the truck is going. Drivers should avoid pulling out in front of trucks or cutting them off while making lane changes to prevent getting rear-ended in a truck accident.
Trucks Make Wide Turns
Whether tractor-trailers pull out wide to make a right or left turn, it’s important to give them plenty of room on both sides. Motorists should never attempt to squeeze in the lane between the truck and the curb, but rather should look for the truck’s turn signal and be patient. Remember, getting too close to a turning tractor-trailer may cause a devastating truck accident. Patience in these situations can prevent tragedy.
Trucks Have Large Blind Spots
Tractor trailers have larger-than-normal blind spots, also referred to as no-zones. Truck drivers cannot see vehicles that ride in these zones, located behind and on each side of the truck. The most significant blind spots occur on the right-hand side and behind the truck. Motorists should not linger in these areas to avoid truck accidents and crash injuries. Motorists must understand that if they cannot see the mirror on the side of the tractor-trailer, the truck driver cannot see them.
Trucks are Bigger Than Cars
Drivers need to remember that a tractor-trailer is often four times the size of their vehicle. If a semi is pulling a double trailer, that size difference changes dramatically. This means tractor-trailers need much room when changing lanes or entering freeways. Motorists who try to compete with semis for the same space will not win against a vehicle this large.
Whether a large truck operator is driving while drowsy, distracted, or impaired, motorists must stay focused. Identifying the critical signs that a truck driver is driving negligently can be a matter of life and death.
If you have been injured due to truck driver negligence, the next step would be seeking legal counsel from an experienced tractor-trailer accident attorney, like Henry Queener, as soon as possible.