Why Drivers of 18-Wheelers Should Never Tailgate

Although drivers of 18-wheelers should never tailgate, the statistics—and our experience as truck accident lawyers—show that tailgating in 18-wheelers is far too common. 

To be clear, tailgating is against the law. Section 27-51-305 of the Arkansas Code states:

“The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having regard for the speed of vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.”

Yet, tailgating remains common, and it remains a common factor in 18-wheeler accidents. If you or a loved one was involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler that was following too closely, you have clear legal rights, and you should consult with a lawyer promptly. 

Understanding the Dangers of Tailgating in an 18-Wheeler 

While tailgating in any type of vehicle is dangerous, it is especially dangerous in an 18-wheeler. Following too closely in an 18-wheeler is dangerous for several reasons. While many of these are the same reasons why following too closely in any vehicle is dangerous, tailgating in an 18-wheeler presents unique risks as well. Some of the primary dangers of tailgating in an 18-wheeler include: 

1. Insufficient Time to React to Emergencies On the Road 

Maintaining a safe following distance gives drivers time to react to emergencies on the road. Being able to react to emergencies is critical for avoiding dangerous collisions. This is the same reason why distracted and impaired driving are so dangerous. If 18-wheelers tailgate, the drivers won’t see that an evasive maneuver is required in time, the driver stands virtually no chance of avoiding a rear-end collision.

2. Insufficient Room to Stop or Swerve to Avoid a Collision 

When 18-wheelers tailgate, they do not have sufficient room to avoid potential collisions. Even if an 18-wheeler driver reacts to an emergency right away, being too close to the vehicle in front can leave the driver unable to stop or swerve to prevent an accident. 

Since 18-wheelers weigh far more than cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs, they need significantly more stopping distance. As the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) explains, for 18-wheeler drivers, “large size and weight increase driving challenges, including acceleration, braking and handling.” At highway speeds, a fully loaded 18-wheeler can require twice the stopping distance of a typical passenger vehicle.

As a result, if an 18-wheeler driver and the driver in front of the truck hit the brakes at the same time, the driver in front will come to a stop much quicker. If the 18-wheeler driver is tailgating, this means he or she will cause a rear-end collision unless it is possible to safely swerve to one side.

3. The Extreme Force of Impact Due to an 18-Wheeler’s Size and Weight 

Along with making 18-wheelers take longer to stop, their extreme size and weight also means that they exert significantly more force in the event of a collision. This can make rear-end collisions involving 18-wheelers much more dangerous than similar collisions involving passenger vehicles. 

A normal car weighs somewhere in the range of 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—or 20 times the weight of a normal car. This is a huge difference, and it means that when 18-wheelers tailgate, they can cause severe property damage and life-altering (if not life-threatening) injuries. 

Drivers, Passengers, and Family Members’ Rights After 18-Wheeler Accidents in Arkansas

It is reckless and dangerous for 18-wheelers to tailgate. When reckless truck drivers cause accidents, their insurance companies (or their employers’ insurance companies) can be held fully accountable under Arkansas law. If you or a loved one was harmed in an accident involving an 18-wheeler that was tailgating, you have clear legal rights, and you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. 

To protect your legal rights (and seek the financial compensation you deserve), you will need to hire a lawyer promptly. Your lawyer will be able to investigate, collect the evidence needed to prove your legal rights, and then handle your insurance claim on your behalf. Your lawyer can also take your claim to court if necessary. 

Discuss Your Legal Rights with an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer in Arkansas for Free

A collision with a large commercial vehicle can change your life forever. You may be facing debilitating injuries, high medical bills, and time away from work you can’t afford. Oliver Law Firm knows the hardships you may be facing. Our experienced truck accident lawyers have built a reputation for excellence in these difficult cases. We know how to build a strong case and we know how to win. 

If you need to know more about your legal rights after an accident involving an 18-wheeler driver who was tailgating, we encourage you to contact us promptly.

Don’t face your injuries alone. 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.