Sharing the highways with big rig 18 wheelers can be dangerous. These massive vehicles often weigh 25 times more than your average passenger car, and can cause major damage and catastrophic injuries when involved in a collision. In fact each year about 12% of all highway fatalities involve a semi-transport or other big truck. In some cases, such as tired drivers falling asleep at the wheel or loose loads falling off the trucks, you do not have any control over an accident. But there are some ways to at least reduce the risk, keeping yourself and your passengers safer.

Realize the limitations of all 18 wheelers

Big trucks are not as maneuverable as passenger vehicles like cars or pick-up trucks. Especially when fully-loaded, transports do not accelerate quickly and take much longer to stop. And because they are usually higher than most vehicles and do not have energy-absorbing bumpers, getting hit by the front end of can lead to disastrous results. About 60% of all fatalities involve impact with the front of a truck.

Avoid cutting too closely in front of these trucks, braking suddenly or trying to squeeze into tight spots in traffic.

Don’t tailgate

Large transports are hard to see around at the best of times, but by driving too closely to the back end can lead to several different dangerous scenarios. For one, you cannot see what the traffic ahead is doing, and the only warning you will have of slowed or stopped traffic are the truck’s brake lights. You will also not be able to see debris on the road, potholes, and other hazards. And if the truck starts to spill its load, you will have little time to react.

Stay off the shoulders

If you get a flat or need to pull over for any reason, avoid parking on or near the shoulder. As any highway patrol will tell you, the shoulder of a highway is a very dangerous place, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Try to make it off a highway exit. If stopping on the shoulder is unavoidable, move as far away from traffic as possible.

Every trucking company has a responsibility to ensure that all trucks are in good working order, all drivers are qualified and well-rested, and all loads are secured. If you have been injured in an accident with an 18 wheeler no matter how cautious you have been, contact the traffic experts at Jim S. Adler & Associates.

We have more than 30 years of litigation experience against all sizes of companies, and we can help you get the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost work and your pain and suffering. Contact Jim S. Adler & Associates for a free case review right now, and find out how we can help.