Tractor-trailers or semi-trucks are a common sight on the Tennessee highways. 18-wheelers hauling merchandise to local businesses or crossing the state to transport items around the country sometimes cause collisions. Wrecks involving semi-trucks have a tendency to be far more dramatic and severe than crashes that involve smaller vehicles. Heavier, larger vehicles have the ability to cause more damage and to create collision scenarios that may involve numerous other vehicles instead of just one car.
Drivers obviously prefer to avoid any and all crashes if possible, but avoiding the most severe crashes should be the top priority of every safety-minded motorist. The following are some of the leading causes of highway semi-truck collisions in Tennessee.
Big blind spots
The height, width and length of semi-trucks make them hard to drive safely. Even when there are extra mirrors attached to the cab of the vehicle, the driver may not be able to see vehicles behind or next to the trailer. They also create blind spots for the vehicles following them in traffic. Other drivers may not be able to see approaching vehicles if they want to pass a semi-truck. That creates a very dangerous situation for vehicles on the Tennessee highway.
Difficulty maneuvering quickly
Another limitation associated with the size of a semi-truck is the difficulty a commercial driver may have coming to a complete stop, slowing down or otherwise maneuvering rapidly in response to changing traffic conditions. If a commercial driver tries to swerve to avoid debris in the street or an animal on the highway, they might jackknife or cause a rollover incident. When another driver cuts them off, they may not be able to stop in time. Many commercial crashes occur because of the limitations related to the size of a commercial truck.
Pressure on truck drivers
Commercial drivers often have to be on the road for longer than white-collar employees are at their offices during the day. They may experience profound fatigue after driving for 10 hours or longer which can affect their performance. They might also distract themselves by eating and drinking or using mobile devices as a way of staying alert on the road. That can potentially also lead to collisions by increasing their reaction time. The need to get deliveries in on time can pressure truck drivers to make poor decisions, such as exceeding the speed limit.
Most of the factors that contribute to semi-truck crashes are outside of the control of others in traffic. The most that people can do is to give commercial drivers plenty of space and to try to follow the rules of the road. Should a semi-truck collision occur, the people involved may have grounds to file a commercial insurance claim or possibly a personal injury lawsuit. Seeking compensation for the losses caused by an 18-wheeler crash can help repair vehicles and pay for medical expenses after a wreck.