Factors That Make Truck Accidents Worse Than Car Accidents

Truck accidents are some of the most dangerous accidents on the road. They tend to cause more damage, more severe injuries, and sometimes even fatalities. Truck accidents can be far worse with larger vehicles and more complex driving conditions.

You may wonder how truck accidents are different from car accidents. While both types of accidents can cause harm, the factors involved in truck crashes make them far more dangerous. Trucks are bigger, heavier, and harder to control, which increases the chances of severe damage. Let us discuss why truck accidents are worse than car accidents.

Size and Weight Disparity

One of the main reasons truck accidents are more dangerous than car accidents is the sheer size and weight difference between the two. A typical semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, while a car usually weighs around 3,000 pounds. This weight difference means the impact force is much higher when a truck crashes into a car. The larger the vehicle, the greater the damage it can cause. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that large trucks are involved in nearly 12% of all fatal crashes in the U.S., even though they make up only about 4% of the total vehicles on the road.

Longer Stopping Distances

Trucks take much longer to stop than cars. A fully loaded truck requires up to 40% more distance to come to a complete stop than a passenger car. This becomes especially dangerous when a truck driver needs to react quickly to an emergency. 

The longer stopping time means a truck is likelier to crash into a vehicle in front of it, especially during fast-moving traffic or sudden slowdowns. Because of their increased stopping distance, trucks are even more likely to slide and lose control in wet or icy conditions.

Blind Spots and Limited Visibility

Trucks also have significantly larger blind spots than cars. These blind spots make it harder for truck drivers to see other vehicles, especially smaller ones like cars and motorcycles. A truck driver might not notice a vehicle in the blind spot while changing lanes, which can lead to a dangerous collision. 

This lack of visibility is a serious factor in many truck accidents. Nearly 50% of truck accidents are caused by a failure to properly check blind spots before maneuvering. Smaller vehicles are especially at risk when driving next to large trucks, as they are harder to see from the driver’s seat.

Increased Risk of Cargo Shifting or Spilling

Another danger that worsens truck accidents is cargo shifting or spilling risk. Trucks often carry heavy or bulky loads that need to be adequately secured. If cargo isn’t secured correctly, it can change during the journey, causing the truck to become unstable or the cargo to fall off. 

This can lead to multi-vehicle accidents, road blockages, or even hazardous materials spills. An accident involving a truck carrying dangerous materials can result in catastrophic damage, fires, or explosions, adding another layer of risk not present in car accidents.

Driver Fatigue and Long Hours

Truck drivers often work long hours and are under pressure to deliver goods quickly. These extended driving hours can lead to fatigue, making truck drivers more likely to make poor decisions or fall asleep at the wheel.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents. Tired drivers have slower reaction times and poorer decision-making skills and are likelier to miss signs of danger on the road. Fatigue can make a truck driver more dangerous behind the wheel than a well-rested car driver.

Impact of Weather and Road Conditions

Truck accidents are also more likely to happen in severe weather conditions. Because of their large size and weight, trucks are more susceptible to losing control on slippery roads, such as in heavy rain, snow, or ice.

Trucks can easily jackknife or roll over in adverse conditions, causing significant damage to other vehicles around them. In contrast, smaller cars can often handle destructive weather better than trucks. Trucks’ sheer weight and height make them harder to control during hazardous weather, leading to higher accident rates in these conditions.

Tendency for More Severe Injuries

Regarding injuries, truck accidents tend to be more severe for those involved. Occupants of passenger vehicles are at a much higher risk of serious injuries or death when involved in a crash with a truck. This is because of the force generated by the collision and the size difference. 

The impact of a truck colliding with a smaller car is often deadly for those in the car, even if the truck driver escapes with minor injuries. The NHTSA estimates that 68% of the fatalities in significant truck accidents are people in the passenger vehicle, not the truck.

Legal and Financial Implications

Finally, truck accidents can be more complicated legally and financially. Unlike car accidents, where liability is often limited to the drivers involved, truck accidents may involve multiple parties. This could include the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, the cargo loading company, and even vehicle maintenance providers. Determining liability in a truck accident can take longer and involve more legal steps. 

The cost of damages is often higher in truck accidents as well due to the severity of the crash and the potential for multiple victims. This means the insurance claims and settlements can be much larger than in car accidents, leading to more complicated financial recovery for all parties.

Final Thoughts

Due to several factors, truck accidents are far more dangerous than car accidents. From the size and weight disparity to the risks associated with driver fatigue, weather conditions, and cargo issues, these accidents often lead to more severe injuries and complex legal matters. Understanding these risks can help raise awareness and improve road safety for truck drivers and motorists.

Author: Evangeline