Why Are 18-Wheelers So Dangerous?
Why Are
18-Wheelers So Dangerous?
Why Are 18-Wheelers So Dangerous?
Accidents involving 18-wheelers cause thousands of deaths each year in the United States. Many more accidents aren’t fatal but do result in serious physical and mental trauma for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
Common Injuries From 18-Wheelers
Aside from fatalities, injuries resulting from 18-wheeler crashes include:
- Traumatic brain damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Neck injuries
- Disfigurement or loss of limb
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Damage to organs
- Impaired vision
- Traumatic brain damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Neck injuries
- Disfigurement or loss of limb
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Damage to organs
- Impaired vision
Physical injury is not the only possible result of an 18-wheeler accident. Victims may struggle with mental health disorders (post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and more) in the days, weeks, months and even years after the incident. They may fear driving on roadways due to the trauma.
Fatality and Crash Statistics Involving 18-Wheelers
Motorists are vulnerable to 18-wheeler accidents due to the size and weight disparity between vehicles. Semi trucks and the attached trailers often combine to weigh between 15 and 20 times more than passenger vehicles.
A collision between the two usually results in an enormous impact, most of which is felt by the occupants of the smaller vehicle. This massive contrast is why 18-wheeler accidents are dangerous — and often take the lives of American motorists and passengers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) publishes an annual report of “large truck crashes” in the United States. A large truck is defined as any truck, excluding buses and motor homes, with a gross vehicle weight rating above 10,000 pounds. This definition includes 18-wheelers.
In 2017, there were 4,761 people killed in accidents involving large trucks. More than 80% of the victims were occupants of the other vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists.
In 2018, the number increased to 4,951 fatalities. Around 82% of the victims were occupants of the other vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) publishes an annual report of “large truck crashes” in the United States. A large truck is defined as any truck, excluding buses and motor homes, with a gross vehicle weight rating above 10,000 pounds. This definition includes 18-wheelers.
In 2017, there were 4,761 people killed in accidents involving large trucks. More than 80% of the victims were occupants of the other vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists.
In 2018, the number increased to 4,951 fatalities. Around 82% of the victims were occupants of the other vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists.
Federal Laws for 18-Wheelers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created regulations for interstate truck-driving. State laws apply to state highways and local roads, and these regulations usually resemble the FMCSA regulations.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations is intended to reduce crashes and keep motorists safe. The areas focused on include:
- How frequently the driver must take breaks
- How many hours per day one driver is allowed
- Driver qualifications and record keeping
- Special training requirements
- Truck maintenance and equipment standards
- How to operate the truck safely
- Transporting hazardous materials
Unfortunately, some drivers or trucking companies do not abide by these regulations. Accidents involving 18-wheelers are often the fault of the driver or their employer. The truck’s black box will detail the reason for the crash, and a lawyer can help you access this data.