The United States of America is a nation that is dependent on semi-trucks. More than 70% of the nation’s freight is transported by the trucking business, which employs over 2 million large rigs on American roadways. As a result, this sector has grown to be worth over $700.0 billion, showing no signs of slowing down.
We should all be thankful for the low prices and constant availability of fruits, vegetables, and other common household commodities delivered by semi-trucks. Still, these large vehicles do raise the risk of an accident.
Death is a real possibility in any collision involving a semi-truck due to the vehicle’s massive size and weight. In 2018, 4,136 persons lost their lives in crashes involving semi-trucks. Discuss your situation with a Truck accident lawyer in Atlanta.
It is crucial to learn more about semi-trucks if, like most Americans, you frequently share the road with these necessary but potentially deadly machines.
Large Trucks Weigh Tens of Thousands of Pounds
Think about the weight of a semi-truck first. Empty, a semi-truck can weigh as much as 25 thousand pounds. The engines in some semi-trucks can weigh as much as 3,000 pounds, making them heavier than certain cars.
And consider that semis are rarely seen cruising the highways without cargo.
It’s common practise to transport the following in semi-trucks:
- Food or Livestock
- Prescription drugs, Medical supplies
- Retail items
- Cars
The Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents and How to Prevent Them
Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of a semi-truck accident. The risk of an incident rises if the weather is less than optimal. The dangers of driving in the rain, snow, or ice are well-known.
Both natural causes and human error can cause accidents. The likelihood of a car accident increases dramatically when a motorist is preoccupied with something other than the road, such as a phone. This applies to motorists of all kinds, not just big rigs.
It takes a lot longer for semi-trucks to come to a complete stop than a car does because of their enormous weight. A collision may occur if a car or truck approaches a semi too closely or enters the semi’s blind spot.
There are several things you may do to lessen the likelihood of getting into an accident with a semi-truck, including:
- Leaving a lot of space between you and semis on the road
- You should never multitask while behind the wheel.
- Never get behind the wheel while impaired by drugs or alcohol
