Many drivers instinctively feel anxious when they are close to semi-trucks in traffic. After all, these massive vehicles dwarf traditional passenger vehicles in size. If a semi-truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the consequences of the incident could be quite severe.
Statistically, the occupants of the smaller vehicle are at greater risk of severe injury or death than the occupants of commercial trucks when crashes occur. The drivers typically cannot completely avoid semi-trucks, as they use all of the same major thoroughfares as other vehicles. Instead, they may need to monitor for signs of risk factors that might contribute to the chances of a crash.
What risk factors have a strong association with semi-truck collisions?
Forced proximity
Heavy traffic levels tend to correlate with greater collision risk. When there aren’t many vehicles on the road, drivers can give semi-trucks plenty of space. They can easily pass them or stay behind them in traffic. When there is noticeable traffic congestion on the roads, drivers have less control over how close they get to semi-trucks and other large vehicles. People in smaller vehicles can protect themselves by trying to give bigger trucks as much space as possible in traffic. Staying out of the blind spots around the trailer is particularly important.
Vehicle and weather issues
A small but noteworthy percentage of semi-truck collisions occur due to issues with the larger vehicle. Sometimes, maintenance issues, including worn tires or problems with the brakes, could affect a driver’s control of a semi-truck. Other times, improper loading of trailers might lead to drivers losing control. Certain weather conditions may increase the risk of semi-truck collisions. Commercial trucks are particularly vulnerable during windstorms due to the large size of the trailers they haul. Wet pavement caused by precipitation can also lead to preventable crashes, as it increases the already sizable stopping distance of a commercial truck and can contribute to a driver losing control.
Driver fatigue and distraction
Both the professional operating the semi-truck and people in passenger vehicles can make choices that diminish overall safety. Driving while fatigued is a common practice, but it is an unsafe habit. People who haven’t rested recently may struggle to remain focused or to react quickly when traffic conditions change. Those who drive trucks for hours on end are at particularly high risk of fatigue. Distraction is also a common issue that affects everyone on the road, including truck drivers who may have to respond to requests from their employers. Many semi-truck collisions begin with surveillance issues, meaning that the driver didn’t check their surroundings before maneuvering.
When semi-truck crashes occur, those involved may have major losses to address. Having support when navigating an insurance claim or looking into lawsuit options after a semi-truck crash can help people demand accountability from those operating or profiting off commercial trucks unsafely.