Because of the massive size and weight of trucks, trucking accidents can be catastrophic, resulting in serious injuries and death. The size and structure of trucks and how they are driven is very different from passenger vehicles; for this reason, drivers of passenger vehicles may be able to help avoid collisions by better understanding how many trucking accidents occur.
Equipment failure
Equipment failure regarding brakes, turn signals, steering components, and tires are just some of the parts of trucks that can fail and cause devastating accidents. Trucking laws require regular inspection, but laws and regulations are not always complied with. Truck drivers do not always properly maintain their trucks, and that can lead to serious accidents. Even in properly maintained vehicles, equipment may fail due to shoddy work by manufacturers or repair shops.
Jackknifing
Jackknifing occurs when a truck folds as the trailer tries to pass the cab. Jackknifing means the accidental folding of an articulated vehicle (one towing a trailer) such that it resembles the angle of a folding pocket knife (hence the name). Jackknifing usually happens to an empty vehicle and does not really happen that often. Sudden braking or turning, brake malfunction, wet or otherwise slippery roads, and uneven road surfaces can all cause a truck to jackknife. Jackknifing can be the cause of a serious truck accident or it can happen after something has collided with the truck. Most experienced truck drivers know how to correct a skid before it becomes a jackknife.
Turning accidents
Turning accidents often occur because trucks are so long, and they often have to make very wide turns. Sometimes these turns require the trucks to take up more than one lane of traffic. Always be aware of trucks around you and allow them enough room to make those wide turns. A truck will often swing to the left before making a right hand turn; this opens up space to the truck's immediate right. If a car pulls into that space, the car can be hit or even crushed without ever being seen by the truck driver.
Stopping Distance
The stopping distance that is required for trucks is much greater than the stopping distance required for passenger vehicles, and trucks that follow vehicles too closely are an accident waiting to happen. Following too closely obviously does not allow a driver enough time to stop in the event the vehicle in front of you brakes suddenly. Not having enough stopping distance between the truck and the vehicle in front of the truck can trigger a jackknife and cause a serious accident. Be sure to allow ample distance between your vehicle and the front of the truck you are passing. Many truck drivers will flash their headlights to let you know that it is safe to return back to your lane after passing.
Blind spots
Blind spots in trucks are much larger than in passenger vehicles. We have all probably seen those signs on trucks that say, "If you can't see my mirrors, I can't see you" Trucks have large blind spots that prevent them from seeing nearby vehicles. A truck that is changing lanes can easily collide with a vehicle in its blind spot. Experienced truck drivers know how to avoid these collisions, but not all truckers on the road are experienced.
Being aware of the dangers truck drivers face every day they go to work and being aware of how to share the road with trucks will certainly help you avoid the catastrophic type of accident that often occurs when trucks and passenger vehicles collide.
