Every now and then, you hear a story about a semi crashing because the brakes failed. The truck went out of control and slammed into other cars or nearby buildings. You're probably very wary of this possibility if you live in Colorado, where there are specific truck crash emergency lanes leading off of the highways in the mountains. They give truckers a way to stop an out-of-control vehicle while causing as little damage as possible.
Why is the truck driver shortage a threat to road users?
When you're driving on a highway, it's likely that you'll see a truck or two. Semitrucks are common, and they're an important part of America's economy. However, over time, the number of people going into trucking has declined. That means that the people who are hired may not have to go through as rigorous of training, since companies need a driver no matter what.
Drowsy truck driving can be prevented, and it should be.
Trucker fatigue is a serious problem among truck drivers. They work long hours, and many take breaks for only a short period to nap or get something to eat. While the law allows them to drive for 11 hours straight and to work for 14 hours each day (three of which have to be parked/not in the vehicle), this is still a long work day that could result in collisions due to fatigue.
Pedestrian-truck crash leads to death.
Trucks, whether commercial or consumer grade, have the potential to cause serious harm in a crash. These vehicles weigh more than other types of motor vehicles on the road and are often larger. When an accident involves a pedestrian and truck, it's highly likely that the pedestrian will die from his or her injuries.
Damage on the highway: What is a trucker responsible for?
If you have a crack on your windshield, you're probably one of many who have traveled behind a large commercial vehicle. These vehicles are well-known to cause damage to others by picking up rocks on the pavement. Staying back a distance helps, but there's still the risk of damage.
How can weather affect the roads?
The weather conditions affect the roads every day. Whether it's foggy, dusty or raining, drivers have to know how to handle the weather to stay safe. If they're not confident in their abilities or are too confident, they could cause wrecks.
Why do large vehicles need to stay to the right?
You may be familiar with signs that state that trucks need to stay in the right-hand lane. Is that a law, though, and if so, why do so many people violate it?
4 killed, several injured when driver fails to stop for traffic
Its hard to imagine hitting someone in your vehicle and never seeing the crash coming. If you're paying attention, even just a little bit, you'd notice that you couldn't stop in time and try to apply the brakes. That didn't happen with this case.
Jackknifed trucks are a danger on the roads
Have you ever seen a semitruck jackknife on the road? That happens when the cab and trailer wind up going in two directions and look much like a folded pocketknife -- in a V- or L-shape. Jackknifing trucks present real road hazards to the trucks' drivers and others who share the roads with them. Learn how you can be safer on the roads this winter around these big rigs.
2 Tips to prevent Trucking Accidents
Large trucks were involved in approximately 338,000 crashes in 2013. The majority of those crashes resulted in property damage. Another 73,000 caused injuries. In total, 3,906 were fatal. Avoiding these crashes is key to protecting yourself, your family and your future.
