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The risky ways trucks differ from passenger cars 

On Behalf of | Feb 9, 2021 | Personal Injury

Many truck accidents happen because of the differences between trucks and passenger cars. The biggest difference, of course, is size and weight, and it means that those in passenger cars face far greater injury risks in a crash. But it goes far beyond that.

All drivers need to understand these risks to better protect themselves on the road as they travel, commute and run errands. 

7 major differences between trucks and other vehicles

To get started, here are seven major differences between trucks and the cars they share the road with every single day: 

  1. Weight: A passenger car may weigh 4,000 pounds or less, while a truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.
  2. Stopping distances: A truck can take nearly twice as far to stop under optimal conditions.
  3. Speed: Trucks have lower speed limits, which can cause road congestion, especially while passing.
  4. Blindspots: Truck drivers have massive blind spots on all sides of the truck that limit what they can see.
  5. Driving times: Most people are only in passenger cars for a short time, while truckers may drive all day long, for 40+ hours per week.
  6. Wide turns: Trucks take wide turns, which often means truck drivers need to move slightly to the left before making a right turn.
  7. Heavy loads: If a truck is loaded down at 80,000 pounds, that can impact its maneuverability. For instance, some accidents happen when loads shift during a turn and the truck tips.

It’s important to keep these differences in mind when driving around large trucks. Unfortunately, just being aware of them doesn’t always mean you can avoid an accident. If you get injured in a crash someone else causes, you need to know how to seek compensation. An attorney can protect your interests and help you move forward with your claim.