Semi-trucks are among the essential vehicles used to transport goods across the USA. But these also pose a considerable problem in several cities. In Kansas City, for example, the sheer number of semi-trucks dramatically increases the chances of road accidents.

Several factors make semi-trucks the most dangerous vehicles around. Being aware of these can help you avoid getting into an accident while driving around a semi-truck.

What Makes Semi-Trucks So Dangerous?

The Large Size

Semi-trucks are pretty large as they are used to transport goods all over the country. And when you compare them to the regular passenger cars running on the roads, there is little doubt regarding the enormous damage it can inflict.

While getting into an accident with a similar-sized vehicle is bad enough, the impact may be somewhat manageable. But if a vehicle many times bigger crashes into yours, the damage will obviously be greater.

High Speed Poses An Issue

A semi-truck running at high speed can be deadly. These vehicles are large and are pretty heavy, which makes them difficult to maneuver. Even if the truck driver notices a potential obstacle in front of it, they may not be able to slow down or turn the vehicle in time to avoid it.

A speeding semi-truck can cause significant damage due to the sheer force of its impact on a smaller car.

It Carries Heavy Cargo

Semi-trucks are made for carrying heavy cargo. But these cargos may pose an additional problem for safety on the roads. If the cargo is not packed well, it may fall out on the road while the semi-truck moves at high speed.

Depending on the type of load carried by the truck, it can be hazardous for the vehicles nearby. For example, logs or steel pipes can fall out and smash into the windscreen of the cars following the truck, causing injury or even death.

The Negligence Of The Drivers Often Add To The Danger

The negligence of the semi-truck drivers often results in accidents. The drivers have to travel long distances without rest and may not always get enough sleep. As a result, they may feel drowsy and fail to concentrate on the road ahead, leading to terrible accidents.

Driving habits also contribute to the danger. Many drivers choose to increase their speed to reach their destination faster and then fail to maneuver it to avoid obstacles. Moreover, being a large vehicle, a semi-truck has several blind spots. Unless the driver pays enough attention to these spots, the chances of accidents increase tremendously.

Other than these, driving under the influence of alcohol and aggressive driving also pose a risk to other vehicles on the road.

How To Ensure Your Safety?

The best way to avoid getting into an accident with a semi-truck is to avoid these heavy vehicles while driving. While this may not be entirely possible, you can try to put a safe distance between your car and the truck to avoid a crash.

Even when driving behind, take care not to go too close to protect yourself from being hit by any fallen cargo. Make sure to drive carefully while watching the semi-truck at all times. But in case you still get into an accident with the vehicle, it is a good idea to talk with a Kansas City Truck Accident Lawyer about the legal proceedings.

Conclusion

While semi-trucks are essential for transporting goods in Kansas City and beyond, their role in traffic accidents remains a burning issue. If you or anyone you know have been a victim of a semi-truck accident, consulting an experienced Kansas City Truck Accident Lawyer to represent your case can help you get your rightful compensation from the party at fault.