Consumers in the United States rely heavily on tractor-trailers for distribution. We rely on trucks to deliver nearly three-quarters of all consumer goods. In one recent year, commercial trucking routes accounted for nearly 280 billion miles of travel. Any time you are on the roadways, chances are you will pass a tractor-trailer.
While Americans depend on commercial trucks, sharing the roadways with these large vehicles can be frightening. Tractor-trailers tower over passenger vehicles and their sheer size can cause massive damage in a collision. Unfortunately, statistics show that accidents involving tractor-trailers have been rapidly increasing over the past several years. If you or a loved one was in an accident with a tractor-trailer, contact an experienced truck accident attorney at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights.
What Are Tractor-Trailers?
You may wonder, what exactly is a tractor-trailer? Tractor-trailers are commonly referred to by several other names, including semi-trucks, big rigs, or eighteen-wheelers. Tractor-trailers are comprised of two main parts, the semi—housing the engine and the cab, and the trailer—where the goods are stored. According to one report, there are approximately two million trucks registered in the United States. Regardless of how you refer to them, these vehicles can be deadly in the event of an accident.
The Potential for Harm
Tractor-trailers outweigh passenger vehicles at a ratio of about 20:1. Any collision between a tractor-trailer and another vehicle can have catastrophic consequences. In addition, these vehicles take longer to stop, require a greater distance to turn, and are more likely to tip over. Unfortunately, accidents involving tractor-trailers happen more often than we would like to believe. Take a look at a few recent accidents:
- Tractor-trailer fire: Recently, multiple witnesses called police reporting an explosion on the side of the road on a highway. When the police arrived at the scene, an overturned tractor-trailer was on fire. It was later discovered that before the explosion, the driver of the truck hit a guardrail and rolled over. The truck, which was carrying copper, caught on fire as a result of the collision. The driver was later cited for reckless driving.
- Five-vehicle collision: Police were recently called to respond to the scene of an accident. Officers reported that the accident involved five vehicles, including two tractor-trailers. The accident began when one of the tractor-trailers collided with the back of the passenger vehicle it was following. The sudden traffic jam caused a chain reaction. Two people were taken to the hospital and the driver of the first truck was cited for following too close.
- Tractor-trailer collides with bridge: A tractor-trailer smashed into an overpass. The force of the collision caused a chunk of concrete to break loose and fall onto a vehicle passing below. The driver of the vehicle was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. The police stated that there will be charges imposed against the truck driver.
Shocking Statistics
Tractor-trailers pose real dangers to those who share the roadways. While accidents similar to those described may seem rare, in reality, they are quite common. In 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported 107,000 injuries caused by collisions involving large trucks. Statistics showed a 5 percent increase from the year prior.
In addition, the FMCSA reported:
- In one recent year, 4,889 large trucks or buses were involved in fatal crashes, an 8 percent increase from 2016.
- During a recent eight-year span, the number of fatal crashes involving large trucks and buses increased by 40 percent.
- Between 2016 and 2017 363,000 large truck crashes involved property damage only.
- Accidents involving large trucks killed 4,102 people in one recent year alone.
- Forty-two percent of accident fatalities involving large trucks occurred on roads other than major highways or freeways.
- Just under half (49 percent) of all fatal accidents involving large trucks occurred between the hours of 6 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Why Tractor-Trailer Accidents Occur
There’s no denying that the numbers regarding tractor-trailer accidents are scary. But why do these accidents continue to happen, and why are the numbers increasing? Officials will point to these common factors as contributing to a rise in the number of accidents:
- Driving under the influence,
- Mechanical failure, and
- Other drivers.
Staying Safe on the Road
Knowing how accidents happen and ways to avoid them will help you stay safe when sharing the road with large trucks. While not all accidents can be prevented, recognizing potential dangers may save your life.
- Stay alert: Drivers often say that an accident “came out of nowhere.” Having an awareness of other driver’s behavior can prevent many accidents from ever happening. Always be aware of your surroundings. Watch for signs of unusual behavior. Excessive speed, swerving, or erratic behavior may indicate that a driver is under the influence or unable to control the vehicle.
- Let them pass: Large trucks take longer to stop than passenger vehicles. If you see a tractor-trailer quickly approaching from behind, do not slam on your brakes. Move over and let the tractor-trailer pass if possible. If you believe the driver’s speed is unsafe, you shouldn’t hesitate to call 911.
- Keep your distance: Collisions with large trucks are often fatal for passengers of smaller vehicles. This is especially true in underride accidents were the smaller vehicle is pulled under the truck. By design, tractor-trailers have a blind spot that extends up to 30 feet behind the truck. Therefore, at an absolute minimum, you should keep 30 feet between you and any truck you are following.
- Buckle up: During any accident, your odds of surviving are much higher if you are wearing a seatbelt. In fact, the National Traffic Safety Administration reports that wearing your seatbelt can decrease your risk of fatal injury by 45 percent. Always buckle up, no matter how far you are going.
If you were injured in an accident involving a tractor-trailer, you may qualify for financial compensation. While money won’t erase your pain, it can help relieve financial stress so that you can focus on your recovery. To learn more about your rights, or if you have any questions, contact an experienced Georgia truck accident attorney.
