{"id":662,"date":"2020-10-23T08:00:44","date_gmt":"2020-10-23T13:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/?p=662"},"modified":"2021-06-16T05:40:31","modified_gmt":"2021-06-16T10:40:31","slug":"semi-truck-accidents-prevent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/semi-truck-accidents-prevent\/","title":{"rendered":"Semi-Truck Accidents and How to Prevent Them"},"content":{"rendered":"<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Semi-trucks are an ordinary sight on highways and interstates. They transport goods from one point to another and are an essential part of the American economy. We may say that these semi-trucks are marvelous. But still, they are dangerous machines and they pose a high risk on the road.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"border: 3px solid; padding: 10px; width: 100%; border-radius: 25px; border-color: #F4A70F; color: #007bff;\">\n<p style=\"color: #007bff;\">What&#8217;s Inside<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#types\">Types of Semi-Truck Accidents<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#blindspots\"> Blind Spots <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#headon\"> Head-On <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#jackknifing\"> Jackknifing <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#lostload\"> Lost Load <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#rearend\"> Rear-End <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#rollovers\"> Truck Rollovers <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#wideturn\">Wide Turn<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"types\"><strong>Types of Semi-Truck Accidents<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Around <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/carsurance.net\/blog\/truck-accident-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">500,000<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> semi-truck accidents happen every year. So, it\u2019ll be best to know the\u00a0types of semi-truck accidents\u00a0and how to prevent them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"blindspots\">Blind Spots<\/h3>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are five main blind spots on a semi-truck. These are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the immediate front of the cab extending forward to 20 feet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Behind the semi-truck\u2019s trailer extending up to 30 feet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below the driver\u2019s seat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Behind the driver\u2019s seat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The right side of the cab diagonally extending backward<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are areas a semi-truck driver can\u2019t see. They are a result of the large dimension of the semi-truck. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) called them dangerous no-zones. It\u2019s because of the high accident risk that may result when a vehicle moves within these blind spots. Blind spots commonly cause:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a vehicle being run off the road by the truck<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a passenger vehicle being run off the road by the truck<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a rollover accident<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a sideswipe accident<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">underride collision<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To avoid such mishaps, here are some precautions to take:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid tailgating. This means keeping a safe driving distance. For semi-trucks, the general rule is to add a distance equal to their truck&#8217;s length for every 10 mph. Braking, terrains, and tire quality may affect this rule.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other vehicles should avoid passing on the semi-truck\u2019s blind spots.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Truck drivers should ALWAYS check the blind spots before making a change in the lane.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Truck drivers should avoid aggressive driving. Don\u2019t hit the brake to make another vehicle to back off. Avoid cutting off another vehicle.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"headon\">Head-On<\/h3>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A head-on collision happens when two vehicles\u2019 front ends hit each other. This is the most devastating type of accident commonly causing death and serious injuries. The common causes of head-on collisions for semi-trucks are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Driving distractions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improper overtaking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low Visibility<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tire blowout<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some tips to avoid head-on collisions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid quick changing of lanes. Drivers should always remember that semi-trucks need more time to react.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid driving around blind spots. Make sure that you can see a semi-truck driver on their side mirror. It\u2019s a guarantee that they see you too.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep calm. Let aggressive drivers pass instead of reacting. Remember you\u2019re not in a race.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep right when driving on multiple-lanes. It\u2019s easier and safer to pull over off the road rather than hitting other vehicles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When pulling over to a shoulder, keep the wheels on the driver&#8217;s side within the pavement for stability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you see a vehicle heading straight on the truck, quickly veer to the right. Or choose to hit a fixed object instead of other vehicles. This causes less injury.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"jackknifing\">Jackknifing<\/h3>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a dangerous situation where a semi-truck cab and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/semi-trucks-for-sale\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">trailer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> loss sync forming an L or V shape. The weight of the trailer moves forward to the cab creating a fold. The fold can swipe or trap other vehicles causing many injuries. The common causes of jackknifing on semi-trucks are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improper brake maintenance causes the trailer axles to lock up and fold.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slippery roads cause a truck to lose traction.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speeding with sudden braking can be too much for a trailer to handle causing a fold.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unsecured cargo can cause the trailer to move around.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To prevent jackknifing, semi-truck drivers should take the following precautions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid speeding. Semi-trucks carry heavy loads and it\u2019s harder to control the wheels if you have a higher speed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintain prudent stopping distances and brake ahead of time to prevent contact with other vehicles should there be a jackknife.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proper semi-truck maintenance to ensure efficiency in axle control, braking, and traction.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"lostload\">Lost Load<\/h3>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are times when semi-trucks cargoes are unsecured. They cause the load to fall out causing injury to nearby pedestrians or motorists. Semi-truck drivers should always take responsibility for checking the stability of their trailer&#8217;s loads. They should see to it that the cargoes are well-contained and secured. don\u2019t blow, spill, or leak, don\u2019t fall from the trailer. It also pays to check that the loads don\u2019t shift in case the semi-truck maneuver or takes a turn.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"rearend\">Rear-End<\/h3>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This type of semi-truck accident is commonly fatal especially if the vehicle at the back is a small one. The common causes of rear-end collisions are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brake malfunction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improper headlamp functioning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improper use of turning indicators<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tailgating<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All vehicles need to maintain proper following distance. Drivers should always use the headlights and signal lights properly when on the road. At the same time, do a regular check on your lights to avoid the risk of accidents should they fail to function.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"rollovers\">Truck Rollovers<\/h3>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A truck rollover happens when a semi-truck driver loses control. This is very dangerous as it may cause death or serious injury to nearby motorists. The common causes of truck rollovers are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor truck maintenance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speeding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unsecured cargo<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Again, semi-truck drivers should always remember that they\u2019re carrying heavy loads. It would be hard to control the wheels if they travel at a higher speed. They should also conduct regular <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/2020\/09\/29\/buy-used-semi-truck\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vehicle inspection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for proper maintenance. This is to ensure that there\u2019s efficient braking, control, and traction. Moreover, it\u2019s the driver\u2019s responsibility to see to it that the loads he\u2019ll be transporting are secured.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"wideturn\">Wide Turn<\/h3>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A wide turn happens when a semi-truck driver swings to the left to make a right turn. This can trap a motorist or pedestrian at the rear or right part of the truck. Such a situation can lead to death or serious injuries. Semi-truck drivers need to undergo special training to prevent wide turn accidents. It takes extreme caution and proper knowledge to make a safe wide turn with a semi-truck. To prevent such mishaps, semi-truck drivers should always turn signals. This is to warn other motorists to keep away for safety. Give the truck enough time to make a turn. This means limiting your speed before making the turn. And never forget to check the rear and side mirrors to properly manage the space.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"uv-lst\" data-category=\"125\" data-count=\"6\" data-type=\"new\"> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Semi-trucks are an ordinary sight on highways and interstates. They transport goods from one point to another and are an essential part of the American economy. We may say that these semi-trucks are marvelous. But still, they are dangerous machines and they pose a high risk on the road. What&#8217;s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":191,"featured_media":663,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[102],"tags":[103,157,158,156,159],"class_list":["post-662","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-semi-truck","tag-semi-truck","tag-semi-truck-accidents","tag-semi-truck-accidents-and-how-to-prevent-them","tag-semi-trucks","tag-types-of-semi-truck-accidents"],"modified_by":"Titus Asher","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/662","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/191"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=662"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/662\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2153,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/662\/revisions\/2153"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/663"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=662"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=662"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=662"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}