The Dangers of Driving Beside Semi-Trucks in Wisconsin
Sharing the road with big trucks is an everyday reality for drivers across Wisconsin, especially along major transit corridors like Interstate 41 and Highway 10. However, many passenger car drivers do not realize how vastly different operating a 53-foot commercial semi-truck is compared to driving a standard vehicle.
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to the average passenger vehicle’s 3,000 to 5,000 pounds. This massive weight and size disparity means trucks accelerate slower, require significantly longer stopping distances, and have extensive blind spots. Understanding how to drive safely with semi-trucks can mean the difference between reaching your destination and suffering a catastrophic injury.
What Causes Large Truck Accidents?
Truck drivers are held to a higher safety standard than other motorists, including federal rules on how long they can drive, how trucks are maintained, and how cargo is secured. When drivers or trucking companies fail to meet those standards, the results can be devastating. Common causes include:
Truck Driver and Trucking Company Factors
- Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations: Long hours on the road can lead to impaired judgment, delayed reaction times, or falling asleep at the wheel.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, using navigation tools, or adjusting controls while hauling tens of thousands of pounds creates severe hazards.
- Impairment: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol severely restricts control and coordination.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance & Improper Cargo: Brakes that fail, worn tires, or improperly secured loads can cause jackknife accidents, rollovers, or highway debris spills.
How Many Accidents are Caused by Semi-Trucks Each Year?
According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), approximately 500,000 commercial truck crashes occur across the United States each year. Tens of thousands of these collisions result in serious injuries, and thousands prove fatal. Because of the size disparity, the vast majority of severe injuries and fatalities occur among occupants of passenger vehicles rather than truck drivers themselves.
What Should You Do When Driving Next to a Semi-Truck:
- Avoid Lingering in “No-Zones”: Large trucks have four main blind spots, directly in front, directly behind, and on both sides (with the right side being significantly larger). A good rule of thumb: If you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirrors, they cannot see you.
- Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Leave at least 4 to 5 seconds of space when behind a tractor-trailer. This allows you time to react if the truck drops tire debris or stops suddenly.
- Give Space for Wide Turns: Semi-trucks need to swing wide to the left before making a right-hand turn. Never attempt to squeeze between a turning truck and the curb.
How Do You Safely Pass a Semi-Truck:
- Pass Only on the Left: The blind spot on a truck’s right side extends across multiple lanes. Always pass on the left side where the driver’s blind spot is smaller.
- Signal Early and Accelerate Smoothly: Let the truck driver know your intentions clearly before initiating the pass.
- Never Cut Off a Semi-Truck: Accelerate until you can see the entire front cab of the truck in your rearview mirror before merging back into the lane.
Injured in a Trucking Accident?
Even when you practice proper defensive driving, you cannot control the actions of a negligent trucking company or a reckless commercial driver. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident in Wisconsin, securing legal support is vital to protecting your rights. At Herrling Clark Law Firm, our dedicated lawyers have decades of experience holding negligent carriers accountable. Contact us today to claim the compensation you deserve.