Semi-Trucks Bring Danger

A Ford truck was rear-ended by a semi-truck at a red light when a second semi-truck rear-ended the first semi. The tragic accident led to a burst of flames, which killed the driver who was responsible for the crash. It’s another reminder of how dangerous semi-trucks can be on the road, primarily because of their size and the inherent peril associated with having tons of steel moving at high speeds.

The Hazards Associated with Semis

This particular collision occurred because the semi involved failed to stop at a red light, instead slamming into another big rig that had already come to a stop. Was it because the brakes had a problem? Could it have been a matter of driver distraction or fatigue? At this point we just don’t know. What we do know is that these vehicles pose a serious risk to other drivers out on the road:

• Semi-trucks are massive, weighing as much as 20 times more than a typical car. That means they can inflict significant damage in a collision.
• These vehicles weigh so much that they require a lot more time and space to come to a stop, meaning sudden traffic jams can be quite dangerous.
• The blind spots for these vehicles are huge along the sides rear and front, making many vehicles, particularly smaller ones, difficult to impossible to see in many situations.
• Because they have a high center of gravity, these trucks are at a greater risk of tipping when encountering significant winds or sharp turns.
• Since these trucks haul heavy products, the possibility of cargo shifting can be very dangerous, leading to instability and rollovers.

Worst Conditions for Semis

Every driver should be aware of conditions that make driving more unsafe–and for drivers of semis, this is more critical than ever:

• Bad weather: Severe weather can be particularly hazardous for big rigs, which may struggle to travel safely through wind, snow, and ice, or any weather that restricts vision.
• Traffic congestion: These vehicles take up a lot of room, so when traffic is slow it can be difficult to manage through construction zones or when there’s just not a lot of space between vehicles. Importantly, stopping on a dime is just impossible.
• Poor surfaces: Uneven roads, potholes, and unexpected obstructions can destabilize these mammoth vehicles.
• Driver Fatigue: Drivers work long hours, which can lead to exhaustion, which could be the most dangerous issue of all.

After an Accident

If you’ve been the victim of an accident with a semi due to no fault of your own and are now dealing with serious injuries and the mountain of accompanying bills, let the experienced Kissimmee and Orlando personal injury attorneys at Salazar & Kelly help. Give us a call in our office today.

Source:

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