It is not unusual for motorists in Iowa, especially on rural highways, to feel apprehensive when sharing the road with massive vehicles. Have you ever noticed how the sight of a big vehicle prompts you to clutch your steering wheel more tightly? Well, you are not the only one.
There are several things you may do to lower your chances of getting into a truck accident. If you do get involved in an accident, make sure to consult a truck accident lawyer in Des Moines immediately. You can read more about it on BMW’s website.
There are several things you may do to lower your chances of getting into a truck accident. If you do get involved in an accident, make sure to consult a truck accident lawyer in Des Moines immediately.
Collisions with large trucks are more dangerous than cars.
Before we get into the safety advice for driving near large trucks on the road, make sure you understand what distinguishes trucks from other cars.
Crashes involving semi-trucks and buses are highly hazardous. These vehicles are significantly larger and heavier than the ordinary vehicle on the road. For example, a typical semi-trailer weighs 20-30 times as much as a passenger car.
People engaged in crashes involving semi-trailers, huge vehicles, or buses are frequently seriously hurt or killed. In 2017, there were 116,000 crashes involving heavy trucks, resulting in injuries. In addition, 4,455 people died as a result of crashes involving heavy trucks or buses.
Dangers of large trucks.
Large vehicles offer distinct risks to everyone on the road. The following criteria distinguish huge trucks from other vehicles, making them more dangerous:
- Longer braking distance
Because of its size and weight, a huge truck requires a substantially longer braking or stopping distance than a passenger car.
- Blind spots
Large vehicles usually have a limited field of vision, often known as blind spots. These blind spots are places surrounding a vehicle – in front, behind, and to the sides – where the truck driver’s vision is restricted.
- Wide turns
If you have ever watched a truck make a turn, you may have observed that it requires an extra lane of traffic to complete the maneuver safely. As a result, before overtaking a truck, drivers should always ensure that the trucker is not about to make a turn or change lanes.
- More space on the road
Trucks, due to their size, take up a lot of space on the road. This feature alone necessitates that other drivers keep a safe distance and give trucks enough room to maneuver safely.
- Increased risk of fatigued driving
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) authorizes truck drivers to travel for up to 11 hours each day. Most truckers push themselves to the limit in order to make more money, which is why they have greater rates of driver tiredness than other motorists.
Seek professional legal help.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you know it is a devastating experience. Do not hesitate to contact an experienced truck accident attorney to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.