Despite the fact that collisions between regular cars are more common than those involving trucks, truck accidents tend to be more dangerous because of:
Size and weight differences. One of the most glaring contrasts between a truck and a regular car is their size and weight. Trucks are enormous, weighing 20 to 30 times more than passenger cars. This immense weight means that when a truck is involved in an accident, the force of impact is substantially greater, leading to more severe damage and a higher likelihood of fatality or serious injury.
Longer stopping distance. The stopping distance for trucks is significantly longer than that for cars because of their hefty mass. Even when traveling at the same speed, a truck needs more time and distance to come to a complete stop. This inability to halt swiftly can turn seemingly mundane situations into catastrophic ones if a truck driver fails to anticipate the need to stop in time.
Blind spots. The large size of trucks creates extensive blind spots or “no-zones” around the vehicle, especially on the sides and rear. Drivers of passenger vehicles may unknowingly linger in these blind spots, increasing the risk of being sideswiped or cut off if the truck changes direction without noticing the smaller vehicle’s presence.
Driver fatigue. Truck drivers often face grueling schedules and may spend long hours on the road to meet strict deadlines. Each year, truckers drive from 80,000 to 110,000 miles. By contrast, regular drivers only drive between 12,000 and 14,000 miles annually. Despite regulations intended to ensure rest and recovery, fatigue remains a persistent issue among truckers. A tired truck driver’s reaction time and decision-making abilities are impaired, increasing the risk of an accident.
Cargo shifts. Trucks carry substantial loads weighing tens of thousands of pounds. If not properly secured, cargo can shift during transportation. Sudden shifts in cargo can cause a truck to lose balance and tip over or jackknife, especially in sharp turns or abrupt stops, presenting a deadly danger to nearby vehicles.
These factors make truck accidents more likely to occur and – when they do – deadlier than collisions between regular cars. This makes seeking justice after a truck crash more important than ever.