Eighteen wheelers commercial vehicles and other large freight carriers are a unique presence on roads that are occupied mostly by small passenger vehicles, and commercial vehicles present dangers that are also unique. The truck drivers of vehicles this big should always take caution as they may be dangerous to other drivers who drive smaller vehicles. When driving on major highways and at higher speeds, insignificant driving errors that may happen without consequence where small vehicles are concerned can result in catastrophe when an eighteen-wheeler is involved.

The following is a list of some common things that may happen, involving huge trucks.

Unsafe Acts By Passenger Vehicle Drivers

Oftentimes a traffic accident between a passenger vehicle (i.e. a car) and a commercial truck is the result of an unsafe act on the part of the car driver. Most often, the major factor causing collisions will be brought by drivers who act negligently while on the road.

Some common unsafe acts committed by car drivers in the vicinity of large trucks include:

• Driving in the “No-Zones” – These zones are  behind and beside a commercial truck where the truck driver has limited or zero visibility. Thus, it is risky for the drivers of small vehicles to drive behind a huge truck.
• Changing lanes abruptly in front of a truck. This is dangerous as well because it might not be the expected move by the driver.
• It is also a no-no to maneuver the right of a truck while the truck is making a right turn.
• Misjudging an approaching truck’s speed at an intersection, and making a left turn in front of the truck.
• Merging improperly into traffic, causing a truck to maneuver or brake quickly.
• Failure to slow down or speed up when a truck begins to change lanes or merge can also cause accidents and injuries.
• Making an unsafe passing can also be detrimental.
• It is also vital to make sure not to pass by a truck that is being blown by a turbulence wind.
• Pulling into traffic from the roadside in front of a truck without accelerating sufficiently.
• It is to be noted not to drive between two large trucks.
• Abandoning a vehicle in a travel lane, or failing to get a disabled vehicle completely off the highway and onto the shoulder.

Dangers Presented By Commercial Truck Drivers

For most part, commercial truck drivers are skilled and patient drivers. However, in addition to the dangers inherent in the size and weight of the trucks used in commercial transportation and shipping, a number of characteristics inherent in the business can contribute to traffic accidents. These include:

• Inadequate training for drivers is really something that everyone should be wary about.
• Systems of compensation that encourage faster vehicle speeds and more hours of consecutive vehicle operation than would normally be advisable.
• Unrealistic schedules and expectations of trucking companies that encourage drivers to hurry, despite safety risks involved.