Trucks vs. Cars

There are several Unsafe Driving Acts (UDAs). Here are some common UDAs that can lead to a fatal accident between a Truck and a car.

1. Driving inattentively (e.g., reading, talking on the phone, fatigue-induced)
2. Merging improperly into traffic, causing a truck to maneuver or brake quickly
3. Failure to stop for a stop sign or light (also, early or late through a signal)
4. Failure to slow down in a construction zone
5. Unsafe speed (e.g., approaching too fast from the rear/misjudging truck's speed)
6. Following too closely
7. Failure to slow down in response to environmental conditions (e.g., fog, rain, smoke, bright sun)
8. Changing lanes abruptly in front of a truck
9. Driving in the "no zones" (left rear quarter, right front quarter, and directly behind)
10. Unsafe turning, primarily turning with insufficient headway
11. Unsafe passing, primarily passing with insufficient headway
12. Pulling into traffic from roadside in front of truck without accelerating sufficiently
13. Driving while impaired by alcohol or other drug
14. Changing lanes in front of a truck, then braking (for traffic, obstacle, toll gate, etc.)
15. Unsafe crossing, primarily crossing traffic with insufficient headway
16. Driving left of center into opposing traffic
17. Failure to permit a truck to merge
18. Failure to discern that the trailer of a maneuvering truck is blocking the roadway
19. Nearly striking the front or rear of a truck or trailer while changing lanes
20. Maneuvering to the right of a truck that is making a right turn (the "right-turn squeeze")
21. Operating at dawn or dusk without headlights
22. Crossing a lane line near the side of a truck or trailer while passing
23. Driving between large trucks
24. Nearly striking the rear of a truck or trailer that is stopped or moving slowing in traffic
25. Nearly striking an unattended or parked truck at roadside
26. Abandoning vehicle in travel lane or impeding traffic

Whether an 80,000 pound truck crashes into a 3000 pound car, or a 3000 pound car crashes into an 80,000 pound truck, it's going to be fatal for the car. The car drivers should be aware of the following:

• It takes longer for trucks to respond as compared to cars
• There is a large difference between the stopping distances required by a truck and a car
• Trucks have larger turning radius. They need to take wider turns compared to cars.
• Trucks have blind zones or no zones. They are bigger than cars therefore often they are referred to as "no zones"

We hope awareness of these facts among drivers will help avoid fatal truck accidents. If you or your loved ones were involved in a trucking accident contact us. The consultation is free, and we have the knowledge and experience to help.