Most people are aware of the dangers posed by big trucks on the roadway. In an accident involving a large 18-wheeler and a small passenger car, the consequences are likely to be severe or fatal for the car occupants. Accidents involving large trucks can occur for a variety of reasons. Truckers drive for incredibly long distances, often covering multiple states in one day, trying to meet delivery deadlines for their goods. Truckers can be overly tired or under the influence of stimulants, alcohol, or other substances. In addition, trucks may be overloaded with cargo or improperly balanced, or a trucker may drive recklessly in order to reach a certain destination before a particular time.

However, it is often difficult to determine the true cause of an accident because of the variety of factors involved from both parties. Just as the large truck plays a big role in the severity of an accident, the other vehicle can actually be the true cause of the accident. Most passenger-vehicle drivers do not know the difficulties and special skills needed to drive a large truck, and therefore do not understand the proper way to drive their own cars when in close proximity with these large trucks. A well-informed motorist can keep everyone on the road safe by learning about driving safely around big trucks.

Large vehicles have large blind spots. All drivers are aware of their own blind spot-- an area near the vehicle that cannot be directly seen either through the window or with the aid of rear-view and side-view mirrors. Passenger cars have blind spots in the rear quarter of their cars. If another vehicle drives in this area, the driver must physically turn and look to see it.

Large trucks, buses, and tractor trailers not only have a larger rear-quarter blind spot, but may also have additional blind spots to the front, back, and right side. Longer vehicles have longer rear-quarter blind spots. If a passenger car drives in this area, a truck driver may not be able to see the car and as a result might try to change lanes. Large vehicles also have more blind spots than smaller cars. Because of the elevated position of the truck driver, he or she may not be able to see cars on the right-hand side of the truck, and may also have a small blind spot directly in front of the vehicle. Trucks do not have rear-view mirrors like passenger cars, relying only on advanced side mirrors. As a result, smaller cars directly to the rear of the truck may not be visible to the driver. When driving your car near big trucks, remember that it has extensive blind spots. If you cannot see the truck's mirrors, the truck driver cannot see you!

As the driver of the vehicle that is most dangerous to all other drivers, it is up to the truck driver to be fully aware of these hazards and to drive with caution at all times for the protection of all motorists. However, passenger car drivers should be aware of the safety issues surrounding large trucks and should know how to drive when near large trucks. All motorists can only hope that as more car drivers become informed about safe driving near large trucks, the number of unfortunate accidents we see each year will decrease.

For more information about safe driving and car accident prevention, visit the website of the Kenosha car accident lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C.