Here Are 5 Reasons to Be Very Scared of 18-Wheeler Trucks

Driving on the highway can be stressful, especially when sharing the road with massive 18-wheeler trucks. These massive vehicles dominate the road, and for good reason—they carry heavy loads across long distances, keeping the economy running smoothly. However, their size and weight also make them extremely dangerous. Accidents involving 18-wheelers are more severe than those with regular cars.

According to a report by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over 4,000 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in the U.S. in 2020. This shows the importance of driving carefully when sharing the road with these vehicles.

If you ever find yourself involved in a truck crash, seeking help from 18-wheeler truck accident lawyers can be critical to handling the legal aftermath.

This post will discuss why you should be cautious around these giant vehicles.

Massive Size and Weight

When fully loaded, an 18-wheeler truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is about 20 times heavier than the average car. In the event of an accident, this weight can cause devastating damage to smaller vehicles, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Additionally, their large size makes it difficult for truck drivers to see vehicles in their blind spots, increasing the chances of collisions. Cars that drive too closely to an 18-wheeler, especially in blind spots, are at greater risk of getting into a serious accident.

Long Stopping Distances

Stopping an 18-wheeler truck takes much longer than stopping a car. On average, it takes about 40% more distance for a fully loaded truck to come to a complete stop compared to smaller vehicles. This long stopping distance is especially dangerous in emergencies or when roads are wet and slippery. If a truck driver needs to stop suddenly, they may not be able to do so in time to avoid a crash, particularly if the vehicle in front of them brakes unexpectedly. This delay in stopping makes it crucial for drivers to maintain a safe distance from 18-wheelers to avoid potential rear-end collisions.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents are a severe threat when it comes to 18-wheeler trucks. Because of their high center of gravity, these trucks tend to tip over when taking sharp turns, changing lanes quickly, or navigating uneven terrain. Rollover accidents can be catastrophic, with the truck often crushing any nearby vehicles. This risk is heightened when the truck carries a heavy or unevenly distributed load, making it even harder for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. Such accidents are dangerous for truck drivers and other cars on the road.

Hazardous Cargo

Many 18-wheelers transport hazardous materials like chemicals, gasoline, or other dangerous goods. If a truck carrying these materials is involved in an accident, the consequences can be far more severe. Hazardous cargo can spill onto the road, leading to explosions, fires, or environmental contamination. These accidents pose significant risks to the people directly involved and surrounding areas, leading to road closures and potential evacuations. The presence of hazardous cargo makes accidents involving 18-wheelers even more dangerous than typical car crashes.

Driver Fatigue and Distraction

Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road, which increases the risk of driver fatigue. Fatigue can lead to slower reaction times, poor decision-making, and even falling asleep at the wheel, which greatly increase the risk of accidents. Additionally, truck drivers, like all drivers, can become distracted by their phones, GPS devices, or other driving tasks. Given the size and weight of 18-wheelers, even a momentary distraction can result in a serious crash. The combination of fatigue and distraction makes driving near 18-wheelers especially risky for other road users.