Why Are Tractor-Trailers So Dangerous?

For new drivers, or for those who have not driven in a long period of time, using the road can be exciting. However, it is a fact that far too many drivers vastly underestimate just how dangerous other vehicles on the road can be – particularly large trucks, given their size, weight, and speed. If you are new to Florida roads, it is crucial that you understand that tractor-trailers must be handled with an elevated degree of caution.

Size & Weight

The major reason why a tractor-trailer can be so dangerous in an accident is its general characteristics – by definition, the vehicle is significantly larger and heavier (even when empty!) than most private cars and trucks. A typical tractor-trailer, even unloaded, will weigh somewhere between 20 and 35,000 pounds – more than ten times heavier than most cars and SUVs. The average tractor-trailer is also roughly twice as tall as the average family sedan.

As one can imagine, the impact of such a vehicle striking an ordinary car, particularly at a high rate of speed, can be devastating. The stopping distance of a vehicle increases the heavier it is – data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that a loaded tractor-trailer and a car traveling at the same rate of speed will take around 200 feet and 130 feet, respectively, to stop. Driving defensively is crucial for those in smaller vehicles.

Lack Of Maneuverability

The other major factor that can make a tractor-trailer dangerous is its overall lack of maneuverability. A tractor-trailer cannot stop or turn as quickly as a car or SUV; if there is suddenly an obstacle on the road, it is unlikely that a tractor-trailer driver will be able to react in time. In addition, the sheer size of a trailer requires much wider turns than most vehicles need – it is far too common that a car will try to drive past while the trailer is still in the process of turning.

While every accident situation is different, it is important to keep in mind that Florida law requires every driver to exercise all possible care while operating their vehicle. Florida does observe a doctrine known as comparative fault, which holds that if an injured plaintiff is found to be more than 50 percent liable for their own injuries, they cannot recover money damages for the defendant’s actions.

Contact A Tampa Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney

If you have been involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, you have the right to seek damages for what you have been through – but it is important to keep in mind the potential danger of such a vehicle at all times. A Tampa tractor-trailer accident attorney from the Rinaldo Law Group can help answer your questions. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/driver-safety/cmv-driving-tips-following-too-closely