Truck drivers cover incredible distances each day, pulling over only for short breaks or to sleep. Truckers are faced with strict deadlines to deliver their products. Because of the need to get to a location before a certain time, sometimes truckers may take risks that put themselves and others on the road in danger. A truck driver may not take adequate breaks, and thus might be overly tired. Or, a trucker might rely heavily on caffeine or other stimulants to stay awake and as a result may not be fully focused on the road. Sometimes trucks have been overloaded, meaning that a truck might be carrying more weight than what is legal or is advisable, or the truck may be unbalanced in a way that increases the risk of a rollover in the event of an accident.

Anyone who has ever witnessed the aftermath of an automobile accident involving a large truck understands how particularly violent and dangerous these types of accidents can be, especially for occupants of smaller cars. Because of the difference in size between passenger cars and large trucks, occupants of smaller cars often face serious injuries or even fatalities in trucking accidents. Despite understanding the dangers of an accident, many drivers use little added precaution when driving near large trucks, putting themselves at increased risk for accidents.

All passenger car drivers should exercise caution to assure the safety of everyone on the road by remembering the added difficulties of driving a large truck:

Extensive Blind Spots

Good car drivers are aware of their own blind spots-- the area near the rear quarter of the vehicle not visible in mirrors and not in the line of sight of the driver. Before switching lanes, a good driver will make sure that his or her blind spots are clear, and will make sure not to drive alongside another car in its blind spot.

Large trucks have not only longer, more extensive blind spots, but also more blind spots in general. Because of the length of the truck, the blind spot to the side of the truck is longer. Large trucks also have no rear-view mirror, creating a blind spot directly behind the truck. Because of the heightened position of the driver, additional blind spots are formed directly to the right of the vehicle and in the very close front. Never drive in a trucker's blind spot-- remember that if you can't see the truck's mirrors, the trucker can't see you.

Difficulty Braking

Most drivers are aware of the three-second rule, which advises that drivers should keep a three second distance between the front of their car and the back of another. However, many drivers weave back and forth through traffic, cutting very close to the front of other vehicles, making it difficult for the rear vehicle to brake in time in the event of an accident. This can be particularly hazardous behavior around large trucks. Because of their size and weight, large trucks take a long time to come to a complete stop, even with advanced braking systems. If a car quickly changes lanes in front of a big truck and then hits its brakes, the truck may not be able to slow down enough to avoid a collision with the back of the car.

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