It can be extremely dangerous driving with big rigs on the road. Oftentimes, accidents with 18 wheelers and big trucks turn fatal. 18 wheeler trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That’s 40 tons of weight barreling down the highway. It’s understandable why accidents with big rigs turn fatal. By comparison, average passenger vehicles weigh 4,000 pounds- that’s a mere 2 tons! There’s no question which type of vehicle will suffer the most damage in a collision between a big rig and an average passenger vehicle.
Drivers of passenger vehicles should be especially careful while driving around large trucks, big rigs, and 18 wheelers. Here are some tips to practice safe driving habits around 18 wheelers and other large vehicles.
Don’t Text and Drive.
Distracted driving can lead to fatalities. Distracted driving is defined as the act of driving while engaging in other activities which distract the driver’s attention away from the road. Distractions are shown to compromise the safety of the driver, passengers, and those who share the road with us in other vehicles. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of road accidents in Texas. At McKay Law in Sulphur Springs, Texas, we have handled many cases that have been caused by distracted drivers. Refrain from texting while driving. Refrain from checking social media and email while driving. Be safe, not sorry.
Avoid Cutting off and Tailgating 18 Wheelers and Big Rigs.
18 Wheelers are much heavier than passenger vehicles, which means it takes much longer for them to stop. An 18 wheeler fully loaded going around 60 mph could take the length of approximately THREE football fields to completely come to a stop. This means they could plow right through anything in their way while they are trying to stop- including your vehicle. You certainly do not wish to be in the way of an 18 wheeler while driving down the highway, so be cautious not to cut closely in front of these large vehicles.
Tailgating is defined as driving too closely behind another vehicle. It is never a good idea to tailgate an 18 wheeler, big rig, or other large commercial vehicles. It is especially hazardous to get into a rear-end collision with an 18 wheeler as your windshield is likely to be hit instead of your bumper increasing your chances of a fatal accident.
Watch for Drifting
An 18 wheeler truck that is drifting between lanes may make you believe that they are texting while driving, intoxicated, or drowsy driving. While those things could be true, drifting could be a real possibility as well. Big rigs and large trucks, especially those that aren’t loaded fully in the back are more easily pushed around by the wind due to top-heaviness. You should always give these large vehicles more space, especially during windy conditions. Drifting is dangerous!
Injured in an 18 wheeler Accident?
If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident with a large truck it is a good idea to call Lindsey McKay at McKay Law, PLLC at (903)-INJURED or (903) 999-2653. Don’t wait. If you’ve been hurt, she can help navigate the next steps that are best for your situation and help get you back on track. She is a wife, a mother of five, and an attorney that works tirelessly for her clients. Her clients become like family to her, and she cares about the things that matter to them. Every detail in YOUR situation is important and she understands the stress and strain accidents can potentially put on families and individuals.
Again, if you need legal help, call us today at (903) 999-2653 or submit your case for a free case review with McKay Law’s personal injury lawyers and truck accident attorneys.
