Why do truck drivers pose a risk to other road users?

Media coverage of accidents, the sheer size of the vehicles and personal experience are just a few of the reasons why so many people are scared to share the road with truck drivers.

No matter how much driving you do, it’s easy to still feel intimidated when you find yourself driving next to a semi-truck as it towers above you.

Having said that, truck drivers are some of the most experienced drivers in the world. So, why do they pose such a risk to other road users?

They can’t see you

Due to the size of some of the trucks on the road, they’re operating while knowing they can’t fully see the traffic around them. They have so many blind spots where a car or bike is simply completely out of view. What this means is that when they make maneuvers such as switching lanes, they can cause accidents by pulling into the path of another vehicle they couldn’t see.

One way of helping to avoid this situation is to stay where you can see the truck’s side mirrors.

They’re driving while tired or distracted

Truck drivers often find themselves behind the wheel for hours at a time and often drive all through the night. This can cause fatigue and may even mean falling asleep at the wheel.

Driving while tired can cause speeding, delayed response times, drifting between lanes and unsafe maneuvers. This can have catastrophic consequences for both the truck driver and other road users.

Finding yourself involved in an accident where you’ve been hit by a truck can leave you with damage to your vehicle as well as significant injuries. It’s important to seek legal help early on to make sure you receive compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.