Size, Speed and Weight are Factors in Tractor Trailer Accidents

Climbing into a “Big Rig” can be intimidating. Driving one can even be more so. Tractor trailer drivers need to be competent, sure of themselves and capable of maneuvering a huge vehicle. A tractor trailer can range from 12,100 pounds to 80,000 pounds, which is about 25 times more than the average vehicle and up to 40 times more than some small cars.

Besides to tractor trailers being hard to maneuver, they start more slowly, take longer to stop than other vehicles—and are particularly susceptible to adverse road conditions. These factors, as well as the size of the truck, speed and weight—show why the possibility of tractor trailer accidents is so great.

Huge Industry

The trucking industry estimates revenue of 255.2 billion dollars a year. That’s a lot of semi-tractor and tractor trailers on our roadways transporting goods and important commodities. In New Jersey alone, 75 percent of their 600 million tons of goods that are moved each year are transported by tractor trailers.

Since tractor-trailer accident laws differ from typical passenger vehicle laws, you and your loved one will want to work with a knowledgeable attorney. Seeger Weiss is such an attorney. Fill out this form for free case evaluation.

Federal Statistics Confirm Dangers of Tractor Trailer Accidents

These statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration illustrate the dangers and issues of tractor trailer accidents. Although it is difficult to prevent a tractor trailer accident, traffic experts say drivers can take certain critical steps to safeguard themselves and others. Studies also show most deaths or injuries in semi and tractor trailer accidents happen to the noncommercial driver.

The vast majority of fatal crashes (84 percent) and nonfatal crashes (88 percent) involving large trucks occurred on weekdays (Monday through Friday).

Collision with a vehicle in transport was the first harmful event in 75 percent of fatal crashes involving large trucks.

In 2009, 3,215 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes, 53,000 were involved in injury crashes, and 239,000 were involved in property damage only crashes.

Large trucks made up 7 percent of all vehicles in fatal crashes, 2 percent of all vehicles in injury crashes, and 3 percent of all vehicles in property damage only crashes.

Singles (single semi-tractor trailers) accounted for 61 percent of the large trucks involved in fatal crashes.

Doubles (tractors pulling two trailers) made up 3 percent of the large trucks involved in fatal crashes.

Triples (tractors pulling three trailers) accounted for less than 0.1 percent of all large trucks involved in fatal crashes in 2009.

Backing up a Rig is a Challenge

Drive by your target area with your final destination on the driver's side. Go around the block and plan your backing operation, if necessary.

Drive back to your target area, again keeping it on the driver's side and about 1 to 3 trailer lengths away. Stop when the rear of the trailer is even with the target, put the truck in neutral, and set the air brake. Get out and scan the area for vehicles, pedestrians or other obstructions.

>li>Disengage the brakes and turn the steering wheel away from the target. Check mirrors again for obstructions, shift the transmission into reverse, and let out the clutch.

Watch the back end of the trailer with your driver's-side mirror, with an occasional glance at the opposite mirror to check for obstructions. Turn the steering wheel in the direction opposite to the one you want the trailer to go.

Pull forward to straighten the trailer if you get too close to an obstruction on either side.