May 11, 2012 (Press-News.org) Commercial trucks are -- quite literally -- some of the largest hazards on Oklahoma's roads. A fully loaded semi truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. By comparison, the average passenger vehicle weighs a mere 4,000 to 5,000 pounds. In a collision between the two, the truck almost always comes out on top.
This disparity in size makes truck accidents considerably more deadly than other types of motor vehicle collisions. Although large trucks account for just 4 percent of all registered vehicles and 7 percent of all vehicle miles driven, they are involved in 11 percent of all fatal accidents.
Like car accidents, truck accidents can be caused by a number of different factors. Sometimes, the truck driver is driving too fast for conditions. In other cases, the driver might be fatigued or distracted. Sometimes, the driver does everything right but the truck malfunctions anyway.
In many cases, though, it is the driver of the passenger vehicle that is responsible for causing the accident. Sharing the road with large trucks can be particularly dangerous if drivers don't follow proper safety precautions.
Tips for Avoiding Truck Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recommends that drivers keep the following safety tips in mind when sharing the road with commercial trucks:
-Don't cut the trucker off: Trucks take a long time to come to a stop, and emergency braking can cause serious accidents. When merging or changing lanes, don't pull in front of a truck until you can see the front of the cab in your rear-view mirror.
-Stay out of blind spots: Trucks have bigger blind spots than passenger vehicles. Many accidents happen when truckers change lanes and hit a car that was hidden in their blind spot. Remember, if you can't see the truck driver in the truck's mirrors, the driver can't see you either.
-Pay attention: Inattentive drivers make mistakes that put everyone else on the road at risk. If you don't notice that a truck is slowing down or changing lanes, you might inadvertently cause a crash.
-Make room: Trucks need extra space to slow down, speed up and make turns. Getting too close increases the possibility of a fatal accident.
By following these tips, you can help make Oklahoma's highways safer for everyone.
Even if you do all you can, accidents can still happen. Driver fatigue, improper truck maintenance and even defective tires can all contribute to an accident.
If you have been injured in an accident with a semi trailer or other commercial truck, it is important you speak with an experienced Oklahoma City personal injury attorney right away. An aggressive attorney will fight for his clients by thoroughly investigate all aspects of an accident to reveal deficiencies that may have contributed to an accident.
Article provided by Joseph J. Reinke, P.C.
Visit us at www.reinkelaw.com
Large Trucks Pose Heightened Risks to Oklahoma Drivers
Large trucks can be a great hazard to other drivers on the road. Knowing how to avoid accidents and what you should do if you are in one is important for all drivers in Oklahoma.
2012-05-11
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[Press-News.org] Large Trucks Pose Heightened Risks to Oklahoma DriversLarge trucks can be a great hazard to other drivers on the road. Knowing how to avoid accidents and what you should do if you are in one is important for all drivers in Oklahoma.