In the vast landscape of highways, enormous trucks are a common sight. While they play a role in transporting goods across the country, they also pose a significant risk to smaller vehicles sharing the road.
There are inherent dangers that smaller vehicles face when navigating alongside massive trucks and learning more about them can help.
Size disparity
One of the primary reasons small vehicles are at risk on the road is the glaring size difference between them and trucks. Towering, giant trucks can weigh up to several times more than the average car, dwarfing any smaller vehicles on the road. In the event of a collision, the smaller vehicle often bears the brunt of the impact, leading to severe injuries.
Limited visibility
Truck drivers grapple with limited visibility, especially in their blind spots. Small vehicles traveling in these blind spots become virtually invisible to the truck driver.
Braking challenges
Trucks require a significantly longer distance to come to a complete stop compared to smaller vehicles. This difference in braking capabilities poses a huge risk, especially in situations where sudden stops happen. Small vehicles may find themselves unable to react in time, resulting in rear-end collisions.
Swinging turns
The wide turns executed by trucks can catch smaller vehicles off guard. As trucks make turns, they swing wide to accommodate their extended trailers. This swinging motion can lead to crashes with adjacent smaller vehicles in this scenario.
5,904 American trucks and buses were in deadly crashes in 2021. While trucks are important for the economy, truckers need to stay vigilant and understand the risks associated with sharing the road. By acknowledging the challenges, people can take proactive measures to help ensure safer travels for everyone on the road.
