An 18-wheeler can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds

No matter how long you have been driving and how often you take to the highways, chances are driving alongside an 18-wheeler makes you a little nervous. This is because 18-wheelers are inherently dangerous, weighing more than 25 times as much as the average passenger car. When big rigs are involved in an accident, the results are often devastating. Depending on the nature of the accident, there’s a good chance anyone involved will sustain serious injuries, or worse.

18-wheelers are not only large in size, but they are extremely powerful, making them quite dangerous to other vehicles and their passengers. In recent years, you may have noticed an increase in the number of 18-wheelers on the Dallas highways. As more and more people move to the Lone Star state, we expect this will remain a common sight. To stay safe when traveling on the highways and busy side streets, it is important you not only understand why 18-wheelers are dangerous but what you can do to protect you and your loved ones.

Size Matters

One of the reasons 18-wheelers pose such a threat to other drivers is because of the sheer size, weight, and volume of these vehicles. Anytime there is an accident involving a large truck and a smaller vehicle, unfortunately, it is the passenger car that usually sustains the brunt of the damage. 18-wheelers can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds, compared to the average passenger vehicle that weighs around 3,500 pounds. This is a huge difference that highlights just how catastrophic 18-wheeler accidents can be.

In addition to the actual weight of big rigs, semis are also much longer than most cars. This is important to point out, as many accidents involving semis occur because other drivers misjudge the length of the 18-wheeler from the back. Whenever passing an 18-wheeler, you should always give yourself enough space.

Long Hours

Yet another reason 18-wheelers are so dangerous is that the drivers often carry long hours, not getting as much sleep as they should. This has been a point of contention in recent years, as we have seen an increase in the number of accidents attributed to lack of sleep. Unfortunately, many companies offer incentives to drivers who can get the load delivered quickly, resulting in more tired semi-truck drivers on the roads than many people realize.

Tips for Staying Safe When Driving Amongst 18 Wheelers

In Texas, you must learn to share the road with 18-wheelers, as they are everywhere. That being said, there are a handful of things you can do to protect yourself and your vehicle passengers when driving alongside 18-wheelers:

• Respect the size and weight of big rigs
• Never assume the driver of an 18-wheeler can see you
• Avoid an 18-wheeler driver’s blind spot
• Never tailgate or “draft” an 18-wheeler
• Be extra cautious of right turns

If you have been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler in Texas, please contact the personal injury lawyers at Rad Law Firm today. We will help you understand your rights and take the appropriate legal action, should we find that the big rig’s driver was at-fault for the accident.