Crashes between semi-trucks and passenger vehicles have the potential to cause devastating injuries to the people in the smaller vehicles. Many of these collisions are the result of mistakes on the part of the commercial driver or bad practices on the part of their employer.
However, people operating passenger vehicles can sometimes put themselves at risk of a crash because of their conduct in traffic. The way that people behave when merging or turning near a semi-truck can increase their risk. Getting too close to an 18-wheeler is a common underlying cause of preventable semi-truck crashes.
Trucks require extra space
Many drivers are aware that they should avoid traveling in the blind spots around a semi-truck’s trailer. To avoid that risk, they might speed up and pass a semi-truck and then merge back into the same lane of traffic ahead of it.
Doing so could put them at increased risk of a crash. As a general rule, drivers need to leave more space when turning or merging in front of a semi-truck. Bigger vehicles take longer to slow down and stop than other vehicles.
Additionally, motorists need to ensure that they match or exceed the speed of the semi-truck when driving directly in front of them in traffic. Otherwise, the semi-truck might overtake them, with potentially catastrophic results.
Even those who are safety-conscious in traffic can be at risk if they encounter the wrong commercial motorist. Reviewing what caused a semi-truck crash can help the affected parties take appropriate actions to seek compensation after the wreck. People often need help negotiating with commercial insurance providers or preparing for a lawsuit.