Semis and other commercial trucks are an essential part of the American economy. Without them, it would be difficult to transport goods from one side of the country to the other.
Semi-trucks can also pose some serious threats to safety on the road. Their large size can limit visibility while increasing the severity of a crash.
Here’s what you should know about the causes of truck accidents in North Carolina and what precautions you can take when driving near semis.
Time is of the essence
Truck driving can be a stressful job with demanding deadlines and unrealistic expectations. While there are many guidelines to avoid tempting drivers to speed or to drive when they are too tired, these tend to be the causes of many truck accidents.
Speeding and drowsy driving can be dangerous in a car, but adding a truck with a heavy trailer and a longer stopping distance can make the combination deadly.
Safe driving near trucks
Sharing the road with large semi-trucks can feel intimidating, especially knowing the damage they can cause if there is an accident. You should watch for signs that the driver is being unsafe, such as:
- Inconsistent and drastic speed changes
- Swerving
- Missing traffic signals and signs
It takes a long time for a truck driver to stop or change directions under ideal conditions; it can take significantly longer when the driver is exhausted or speeding. When you notice unsafe actions from a truck driver, try to give them plenty of space and get around them.