Large trucks are a common sight on highways and major roads. They carry goods across the country and keep our supply chain moving. But while these massive vehicles serve an important purpose, they can also pose serious dangers on the road. Because of their size and weight, trucks don’t behave like smaller cars. They need more space to stop, more time to turn, and more room to maneuver.
All of this can increase the risk of accidents, especially when drivers aren’t aware of how to safely share the road with them. This is why having experienced attorneys for truck crash claims can be crucial if you’re ever involved in such a crash. Understanding how a truck’s size contributes to road dangers isn’t just helpful for legal cases. It’s also important for every driver who wants to stay safe behind the wheel.
Let’s take a look at four key ways truck size increases the risk of accidents.
- Longer Stopping Distance
Trucks are heavy. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Because of this, trucks need a much longer distance to come to a full stop. While a car might stop at about 300 feet when traveling at 65 mph, a truck might need over 500 feet.
That difference can lead to rear-end crashes, especially in sudden-stop situations. If a car cuts in too closely or if traffic slows quickly, the truck may not be able to stop in time. The size and weight work against the driver, even if they hit the brakes immediately.
- Wider Turns
Unlike regular cars, trucks need a lot more space to turn, especially when making right-hand turns. Their long trailers swing wide, which can put nearby vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in danger.
In busy intersections, a truck might even have to move into another lane or make a sweeping turn across multiple lanes. If other drivers don’t give the truck enough room or misjudge the truck’s path, it can result in side-impact crashes or dangerous pinches between vehicles.
- Large Blind Spots
Truck drivers cannot see everything around them. Trucks have large blind spots on all four sides, especially on the right side and directly behind the trailer. If a car is driving in one of these blind spots, the truck driver may not know it’s there.
Many accidents happen simply because the truck changes lanes or merges without realizing a smaller vehicle is too close. This problem becomes worse in heavy traffic, where drivers are constantly shifting lanes and trying to pass.
- High Center of Gravity
Because trucks are tall and carry heavy loads, they have a high center of gravity. This makes them more likely to roll over, especially when turning quickly or driving on curves. Sharp turns, steep ramps, and windy conditions can all lead to a rollover if the driver loses control.
Rollovers are not just dangerous for the truck driver. They can block multiple lanes of traffic, hit nearby vehicles, and even spill cargo onto the road, creating even more hazards.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the challenges that come with driving or sharing the road with large trucks can help prevent accidents. Their size plays a major role in how they move, stop, and turn. It’s not just about bad driving. It’s about physics and limitations.
So whether you’re a truck driver or just someone behind the wheel of a car, it’s important to be aware of these risks. Give trucks extra space, avoid blind spots, and always drive cautiously around them. And if you ever find yourself involved in a truck-related crash, don’t hesitate to seek help and know your rights.