Semi-trucks are a ubiquitous part of the nation’s landscape. Drive even a few miles along any highway in America, and you are bound to see a number of tractor trailers hauling freight at all times of the day.
You may instinctively try to keep your distance from these big rigs when driving alongside them just due to their towering size. If so, your instincts are correct. Eighteen-wheelers pose a significant danger to the motoring public. If you are ever involved in an accident with a semi-truck, you may want to meet with an auto accident lawyer in Columbia, MD to seek compensation for your injuries.
Have you ever thought about why these tractor trailers are so dangerous? Below are just some of the reasons why.
Semi-Trucks Are Heavier
The first thing that probably comes to mind is the weight differential. Big trucks are much, much heavier than passenger vehicles. Depending on what cargo it is carrying, the truck probably weighs anywhere from 50,000 pounds up to a maximum weight in the United States of 80,000 pounds dispersed over 18 wheels. In stark contrast, the typical passenger car weighs a mere 3,000 pounds, and the average pickup truck weights only 6,000 pounds. The size advantage gives truckers a far greater chance of surviving in a crash than passenger sin other vehicles.
Semi-Trucks Are Longer
Obviously, semi-trucks are not only heavier than passenger vehicles, but they are also much longer. This added length lessens their maneuverability and makes them more difficult to handle, thereby increasing the danger they pose.
Larger Blind Spots
The added length of a tractor trailer increases the size of its various blind spots. Given their massive size, blind spots exist on both sides of the truck, as well as in the front and back. Truckers oftentimes simply cannot see much smaller vehicles in close proximity to them leading to many “side swipe” accidents everyday on the nation’s highways.
These are only some of the reasons why big rigs are so dangerous. Caution should always be taken when sharing the road with them.