According to the National Safety Council, there were 5,837 large trucks involved in a fatal crash in 2022. This is a 49% increase over the last 10 years. In the US, there are over 13.5 million registered trucks, which are over 10,000 pounds.
In most accidents involving big rigs, the passengers of the other vehicles have a higher chance of sustaining injuries or even fatalities than the truck driver. This is just a brief overview of how dangerous a collision with a big rig can be.
The process of negotiating compensation after a truck accident is more difficult. However, big rig accident attorneys can help victims navigate the legal processes and hold the at-fault party responsible for their actions. Keep reading to learn what makes big rig accidents so deadly.
The Size and Weight of Trucks
A big rig can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. On the other hand, a typical car may weigh around 3,000 or more pounds. When these two vehicles collide, the smaller vehicle automatically bears more force, leading to severe injuries and even fatalities.
The size of a big rig also affects its ability to stop quickly. Due to their weight, these trucks require a longer stopping period, which poses a risk in emergencies. This delay in stopping increases the chances of a high-impact collision.
Cargo-related Issues
Big rigs transport a variety of cargo. The safety of the goods depends on how well they are secured. Poorly secured cargo can spill on the road, causing severe harm to the other motorists. In 2023, a big rig spilled almost 10,000 gallons of gasoline mixed with ethyl alcohol after taking a roundabout.
When a cargo is poorly loaded, it could shift during transit, causing improper balance and stability. A shifting load can cause the vehicle to become unbalanced, which could lead to rollovers or jackknife accidents.
In a jackknife accident, the big rig could block multiple lanes of traffic. It is important to maintain a safe distance behind a big rig on highways.
Overweight cargo also affects the truck's ability to brake and increases pressure on tires and suspension, leading to mechanical failure. This increases the chances of the vehicle losing control and getting into an accident.
Blind Spots and Limited Maneuverability
The extensive blind spots around big rigs make accidents involving these trucks extremely deadly. These trucks have blind spots on all four sides. These 'no zones' can hide entire vehicles, putting other motorists at risk when they change lanes or turn.
Big rigs cannot quickly maneuver like small vehicles. This means the vehicles can't quickly swerve or make a sharp turn to avoid obstacles. The longer the truck, the higher the chances of tipping or jackknifing after a sudden turn.
Furthermore, these trucks have a higher center of gravity, increasing their chances of rolling over. When this happens, it could lead to multiple vehicles piling up, thus causing extensive damage, injuries, and fatalities.
Weather and Road Conditions
Because of their size and weight, big rigs are more affected by weather and road conditions. For instance, during rainy and snowy seasons, big rigs may find it harder to brake or maintain control. Also, wet conditions cause tires to lose traction on the road because of hydroplaning.
Poorly maintained roads can cause big trucks to crash because they may not easily absorb shocks as smaller vehicles.
Conclusion
Accidents involving big rigs are more deadly because of the size, weight, weather, and cargo-related issues. The extensive blind spots around these trucks and limited maneuverability increase the risks of accidents, especially in busy urban areas. It is important for other motorists to maintain a safe distance when traveling with trucks.
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