Driving near trucks can feel intimidating, especially when sharing the road with massive semi-trucks or tractor-trailers. These vehicles play an essential role in keeping goods moving across the country, yet many misconceptions about their operation can lead to unsafe driving behaviors. Truck drivers who hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) have specialized training, but they also face unique challenges on the road.
Understanding the realities of truck driving is essential for safer roads. Misjudgments or a lack of awareness about trucks’ blind spots, stopping distances, or maneuverability can contribute to accidents. Myths about truck crashes often paint an incomplete picture of what really happens on highways.
In this article, we’ll break down some common myths about driving near trucks and give you a clearer view of the trucking profession and the responsibilities both truck drivers and everyday motorists share. By addressing these misconceptions, we can all take steps toward safer and more informed driving.
The Most Common Myths About Driving Near Truck Drivers
Some of the most common myths you may hear about driving around commercial trucks include:
- Truckers have more visibility due to their larger mirrors – Trucks have large blind spots in front, behind, and along the truck’s sides, sometimes extending into multiple adjacent lanes.
- Truck drivers have a lower risk of getting into an accident – Although truck drivers have additional certification requirements, they can make mistakes and engage in reckless behavior like other motorists.
- Truck drivers have the training or experience to drive on little sleep – Even though truckers may work long shifts or odd hours, no one can drive to the best of their ability on little or no sleep. Drowsiness will affect truck drivers the same as any other person.
- Trucking companies always focus on safety – Although state and federal regulations impose safety requirements on the trucking industry, some companies cut corners by skimping on safety, including hiring unsafe drivers or failing to maintain their vehicle fleets.
- The trucking company will always settle an accident claim – While you may assume that a trucking company doesn’t want the hassle or bad press of an accident claim, companies and their insurers fight hard to avoid paying compensation to injured victims.
The Reality of Driving Near Trucks
Sharing the road with commercial trucks and semi-trailers presents unique challenges that all drivers should understand. Trucks are not like regular cars—they are significantly larger and heavier and have unique operating limitations. These differences increase the risks of accidents and injuries if drivers don’t exercise proper caution.
Trucks Have Larger Blind Spots
One of the most common myths about trucks is that their drivers can see everything around them. In reality, commercial trucks have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. These blind spots, often called “no-zones,” exist on all sides of the truck, especially on the right side, behind the trailer, and directly in front of the cab. Drivers should avoid lingering in these areas for extended periods to reduce the risk of a collision.
Trucks Need More Space
Fully loaded tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making it much harder for them to stop quickly. Cars cutting off trucks or changing lanes too close can lead to dangerous situations. Drivers should leave extra space when passing and avoid abruptly stopping in front of a truck. It’s also important to remember that trucks need more distance to come to a complete stop, especially on wet or icy roads.
Safety Tips for Avoiding Truck Accidents
Essential tips for sharing the road safely with commercial trucks include:
- Leave extra space when following a truck since you can’t see ahead of the truck. Added space will give you more time to stop in an emergency.
- Avoid cutting off trucks. They cannot brake as quickly as personal vehicles.
- Stay out of a truck’s blind spots. If you need to pass, do so on the left side as quickly as safety allows.
- Watch the trucker’s mirrors closely. If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in their mirrors, they can’t see you.
- Use caution when driving around a turning truck. Commercial motor vehicles require extra clearance to make turns.
Truck accidents have legal implications that don’t arise in other motor vehicle accident cases. For example, trucking companies have stricter government oversight, including the obligation to keep detailed documentation about their operations. These documents may serve as critical evidence of a truck driver’s or trucking company’s negligence in a personal injury claim.
Trucking companies may be liable for a truck accident caused by a truck driver who is classified as an employee. However, many truckers work as independent contractors. Trucking companies often have intricate insurance arrangements or corporate setups that can make it difficult to pinpoint the responsible parties or determine the available insurance coverage. A skilled truck accident lawyer with a deep understanding of truck accident law and serious injury claims can untangle these details to ensure all liable parties are held accountable for their role in the accident.
The Importance of Seeking Legal Representation After a Truck Accident
If you’ve had an accident with a commercial truck, you need experienced legal representation to help you recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Trucking companies and insurers have significant resources to defend against accident claims to reduce or avoid their liability for crash victims’ injuries. An experienced truck accident attorney will know how to investigate your claim, document your losses, and aggressively pursue fair compensation for you through a settlement or verdict at trial.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a Las Vegas truck accident, contact THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s discuss your legal options and how our firm will fight for justice and compensation after what you’ve been through.
