Commercial trucks are a staple on roads throughout New Jersey and across the country as a whole. As a result of their presence, their large size and various other factors, trucks can pose more of a risk of an accident occurring. There are certain facts about big-rig accidents that are important to know.
Why do trucks pose such a danger?
Commercial trucks are huge vehicles that can weigh as much as 40 tons. That’s much larger and heavier than the average passenger car. Trucks also take a lot more time to slow down or stop, which means that if they travel at faster speeds and end up in motor vehicle accidents, the impact can result in serious injuries or death. Cars can also slide underneath a huge truck in a collision, which contributes to the severity of truck accidents.
What are the most common causes of truck accidents?
Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents involving trucks can easily occur, and errors on the part of the trucker may be to blame. Some common causes of truck accidents include the following:
- Impairment: When the truck driver is impaired through the use of drugs or alcohol or even if they’re fatigued, accidents are more likely to happen. Fatigue is a particularly common problem as a result of the long hours truckers work, often without sufficient rest breaks.
- Speeding: Speeding can lead to a deadly crash due to the longer amount of time it takes for trucks to slow down or stop.
- Distractions: Truckers may try to multitask while working, meaning they eat or use cellphones behind the wheel.
- Failing to follow road rules: Not following the rules of the road and careless driving are other common reasons for truck accidents.
How to safely share the road with trucks
In order to avoid serious motor vehicle accidents when sharing the road with trucks, you must take certain safety tips. They include the following:
- Remain visible at all times
- Be careful passing
- Avoid cutting a truck off
- Avoid tailgating
- Don’t block during a turn
Be smart at all times when a truck is on the road with you. It can help prevent an accident and save lives, including your own.
