Semi Trucks (commonly referred to as tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers) can often be seen driving across vast distances transporting goods for transporting businesses across our economy. Though you might recognize their enormous size and power, there are numerous lesser-known facts about semi trucks that you should discover more of. Our Law Offices of Andrew Zeytuntsyan reveal four essential ones to avoid needing a personal injury attorney: limited visibility, increased stopping distance, strict weight limits, and rigorous maintenance schedules that many are unaware of.
One of the main challenges semi-truck drivers face is limited visibility. Due to their large size and height, truck drivers often struggle to identify vehicles or objects near them due to blind spots; often called no-zones; that obscure their view; these blind spots typically lie along sides, behind trailers, and directly in front of their cab.
Truck drivers use side mirrors, wide-angle mirrors, and cameras to monitor their surroundings. Still, other motorists must remain cognizant of blind spots near semi trucks when driving near them and practice caution when near them. Staying visible and avoiding sudden lane changes or tailgating can improve everyone’s safety.
Due to their large size and weight, semi trucks require significantly more time and distance than passenger vehicles to come to a complete stop. Their momentum makes sudden stops extremely challenging, putting drivers, other motorists, pedestrians, and others at risk.
On average, semi-trucks traveling at highway speeds take twice as long to stop as passenger cars. Drivers should maintain a safe following distance and anticipate potential stopping requirements before sudden braking or cutting off a semi-truck can have dire repercussions leading to accidents and potential injuries.
To preserve road infrastructure and protect motorists’ safety and integrity, semi trucks must adhere to stringent weight limits set forth by various jurisdictions. These weight restrictions vary by jurisdiction but typically aim to prevent excessive wear-and-tear on roads and bridges; violating them may incur fines, penalties, and increased wear on roadways.
Trucking companies use various means to meet weight regulations, including load distribution and weighing systems. Truck drivers must also know weight restrictions and work closely with shippers and dispatchers to ensure their loads stay within legal boundaries. Adherence to weight regulations helps maintain road safety and prolong infrastructure lifespan.
Maintaining semi trucks properly is vital for their safe operation and longevity, so trucking companies employ stringent maintenance schedules to identify any mechanical issues as soon as they arise. Regular checks include tire checks, brake assessments, and fluid level tracking.
Subscribing to scheduled maintenance schedules is key to preventing breakdowns, lowering semi truck accident risks, and optimizing fuel efficiency. Failing to do so could result in costly repairs, unscheduled downtime, and potential safety hazards on the road if left ignored; that is why trucking companies invest significant resources in maintaining their fleets to ensure the reliable transportation of goods.
At Andrew Zeytuntsyan Law Offices, we understand the difficulty and complexities that accompany personal injury cases. As experienced personal injury attorneys, our dedicated team is focused on providing strong legal representation while protecting client rights. No matter the cause of your injuries – from car accidents and slip and fall accidents to other forms of personal harm, our skilled personal injury lawyers are here to help you recover. Our firm will work tirelessly to investigate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and litigate in court to secure you the compensation you deserve. With our knowledge and compassionate approach to legal processes, you can count on us to guide you through every stage of legal representation while fighting for your rights every step of the way.
The road ahead is changing rapidly as self-driving and driverless trucks become more common. At the Law Offices of Andrew Zeytuntsyan, we’re committed to staying on top of these…
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