Why Are Collisions with 18-Wheelers So Dangerous?

Collisions with 18-wheelers result in serious and fatal injuries at much higher rates than collisions between passenger vehicles. There are several reasons why. While the enormous size and weight of 18-wheelers are key factors, these are far from the only factors that play a role in causing tens of thousands of dangerous 18-wheeler collisions each year. 

So, why are collisions with 18-wheelers so dangerous?

To understand why collisions with 18-wheelers are so dangerous, we can look at the most common causes of these collisions according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Unfortunately, while the leading causes of serious and fatal collisions involving 18-wheelers are well known, we continue to see far too many of these accidents each year. 

7 Common Factors in 18-Wheeler Collisions 

Here are seven of the most common truck-related factors involved in dangerous 18-wheeler collisions according to the FMCSA: 

1. The Size of 18-Wheelers

18-wheelers are incredibly large. The average tractor-trailer is 72 feet long, nearly nine feet wide, and nearly 14 feet tall. This presents heightened accident risks for a few reasons. 

First, due to their size, commercial trucks have limited maneuverability, and there is only so much truck drivers can do to respond to emergency situations on the road. Second, large trucks are more difficult to control, especially in windy conditions. Third, big rigs often restrict other drivers’ visibility. This can put multiple drivers at risk—which is one reason why crashes involving 18-wheelers are often multi-vehicle collisions. 

2. The Weight of 18-Wheelers

Not only are 18-wheelers incredibly large, but they are also incredibly heavy. When fully loaded, 18-wheelers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is about the same as 20 average passenger vehicles. 

Due to 18-wheelers’ immense weight, they are harder to stop than other vehicles. Truck drivers need more time to slow down, and this means they need more space ahead of them. Additionally, since 18-wheelers carry more weight, they also carry more force—and this is one of the main factors that makes collisions with 18-wheelers so dangerous.  

3. The Need for Regular Maintenance 

Like all vehicles, commercial trucks require regular maintenance. However, due to their size and complexity, 18-wheelers require much more regular maintenance than cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs. Failure to perform necessary maintenance (or poorly performed maintenance) can leave truck drivers helpless to avoid dangerous situations—and brake failures and other maintenance-related issues can lead to severe accidents resulting in life-altering or life-threatening injuries. 

4. Truck Drivers’ Limited Visibility 

When a truck driver is behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler, the driver does not have 360 degrees of visibility. 18-wheelers have large blind spots; and, even with their mirrors, truck drivers cannot see everything around them. This limited visibility plays a role in both the frequency and the severity of 18-wheeler collisions.  

5. The Risk of Jackknifing 

Jackknifing can occur when a truck driver attempts to stop suddenly. All of the factors listed above can present the need for a sudden stop, and this means that they can all present risks for dangerous jackknifing accidents as well. 

6. The Risk of Rolling Over 

The factors listed above also present risks for causing rollovers. Rollovers are extremely dangerous accidents that often result in serious injuries or fatalities. Rollovers are frequently to blame for highway pileups; and, while these incidents can be frustrating for motorists who get stuck in traffic, they can be life-altering for victims and their families. 

7. The Risk of Unsecured Cargo Coming Loose

The risk of unsecured cargo coming loose is another factor that increases the danger of collisions involving 18-wheelers. Merchandise, logs, heavy equipment, and other cargo loads can all come loose in transit or in the event of a collision. 

Understanding Your Legal Rights After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Arkansas

You may have noticed that we said these are some of the most common truck-related factors involved in dangerous tractor-trailer collisions. While factors related to 18-wheelers themselves can (and do) cause serious and fatal accidents, truck driver negligence is an extremely common factor as well. From following too closely and braking too late to driving while distracted or fatigued, truck drivers regularly make mistakes that put other motorists in harm’s way. No matter what happened, if you or a loved one was involved in an 18-wheeler collision in Arkansas, you have clear legal rights, and you should speak with a lawyer about your rights as soon as possible. 

Speak with a Truck Accident Lawyer in Rogers, AR for Free

If you need to know about your legal rights after a truck accident in Arkansas, we encourage you to contact us promptly. 

Contact Oliver Law Firm today online or at 479-202-5200 for a FREE case evaluation. We serve clients throughout Arkansas and throughout the United States from our office in Rogers, AR.