Each year there are millions of vehicle accidents all over the country. Large trucks, commonly known by names such as semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and big rigs account for 6.5% of all crashes according to the US Department of Transportation. 28% of those crashes result in injuries and 11% result in death. With those sobering statistics in mind, we should examine our role in avoiding truck accidents in Colorado.
The Numbers
In 2019 alone, the National Safety Council recorded that 5,005 people died in large truck accidents. This was a 36% increase from 2010. Occupants of the trucks make up 18% of the deaths. Another 11% include non-occupants, mostly bicyclists and pedestrians. But the overwhelming majority (71%) of those killed in large truck accidents were occupants of the other vehicle(s).
In addition to the death toll mentioned above, injuries in large truck crashes rose 7% in 2019 to 160,000. They were distributed in much the same fashion with 69% of the injured being occupants of other vehicles. Truck occupants sustained 29% of the injuries, and non-occupants accounted for the other 2%.
The Challenges
It is vital to learn how to prevent an accident when driving near a large truck. This starts with understanding the challenges of driving big trucks compared to smaller vehicles.
Difference In Weight
One truck weighs at least 10,000 pounds, making it the biggest vehicle on the road. Therefore, when sharing the road with trucks and your vehicle crashes into one truck, you and your car will likely sustain the most significant amount of damage.
The Danger of Override or Underride
Accident prevention includes avoiding rear-ending other vehicles on the road. In the case of trucks, your car can slide under the truck if you rear-end one. If the truck rear-ends your vehicle, it is likely to override you. These types of accidents killed 68 percent of other car occupants in 2014, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Increased Stopping Distance
Trucks can take twice as much time and distance to stop because of their size and weight. Therefore, avoid cutting in front of, slamming on your breaks, or anything else that could force the truck behind you to brake suddenly. For the exact same reason, you should never follow a truck too closely. If they have to brake unexpectedly, for any reason, you are very likely to be involved in a serious accident.
Blind Spots
Have you ever wondered why large trucks have so many mirrors? Trucks have blind spots all around them. These areas are commonly called “no-zones” because your car literally disappears from the view of the truck driver. Even all those mirrors cannot counter this effect. As a driver, you should always assume the truck driver cannot see you. Give them plenty of space, especially when making turns.
Wet Conditions
Truck accidents are common in wet conditions because the trucks tend to splash and spray water, snow, or mud on smaller vehicles nearby. Because this makes your vision blurry or could block your vision completely, ensure you have ample space between you and the truck in wet conditions.
Safe And Defensive Driving
One accident prevention measure is to engage in defensive driving always, especially if you are on the road with trucks. Trucking companies should ensure their vehicles are well maintained and truck drivers should be trained and know safe driving techniques. But, it is the responsibility of every driver on the road to obey the rules of the road and drive with safety and courtesy in mind.
Defensive driving techniques to practice every time you are behind the wheel include:
- Avoid the truck’s blind spots
- Watch for truck turn signals
- Never pass on right when a truck is turning right
- Do not linger next to the truck when passing
- Never cut off a truck
- Keep a safe distance when following a truck
- Always assume the truck driver cannot see you
Safely Share The Road
Now that you know how you can help prevent accidents, practice coexisting with other drivers on the road. Using defensive driving techniques will help reduce crashes and make the roads safer for all drivers. Doing your part can help to reduce the accidents that contribute to the gruesome statistics noted at the outset. Drive safely, arrive safely.