3 Facts You Should Know About Semi-Trucks
18 wheeler accidents and semi-truck accidents can wreak havoc on the lives of drivers and their passengers. Although semi-trucks are all around us on highways across America every day, very few drivers stop to think about practical safety measures they can take to ensure that they don’t increase the risk of injury driving near these large vehicles. Here are a few safety points that everyone should be aware of when they drive near 18 wheelers on the open road.
It Takes Semi Trucks Longer To Slow Down
This may seem like common sense, but it’s essential to remember anytime you are on the road. Cutting off any driver on the highway is bad practice, but cutting off a semi could be devastating, mainly because the large weight of these vehicles means that inertia will carry them farther than other, smaller vehicles after braking. Don’t expect an 18-wheeler to stop quickly if you are driving recklessly in front of them!
Blind Spots Are Real
Blind spots on 18-wheelers are significantly larger than they are on smaller vehicles. Because of this, you always need to be aware of a semi-trucks movements when attempting to pass them in the lane next to them. The truth is this: you may be driving in a semi-truck’s blind spot and not even realize it! Always a keep a close eye on the 18-wheeler and make sure you haven’t inadvertently trapped yourself.
Fatigue is Dangerous
18 wheeler drivers are used to long hours on the road, but this doesn’t mean that they will always be perfectly alert. Any driver can be fatigued and still make the decision to get on the open road, whether they are driving a semi-truck or not! Unfortunately, it just so happens that 18-wheelers are so large that fatigued driving can have even more catastrophic consequences. Stay alert, and make sure you are always monitoring aware of what is going on around you!