| Commercial Vehicles |
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Commercial vehicles such as eighteen-wheelers and other large freight carriers are a unique presence on roads that are occupied mostly by small passenger vehicles, and commercial vehicles present dangers that are also unique. Not only do commercial truck drivers need to be aware of the special circumstances presented by the large vehicles they are driving, but other drivers on the road also need to use caution in their presence. Especially on major highways and at higher speeds, seemingly insignificant driving errors that may occur without consequence where small vehicles are concerned can result in catastrophe when an eighteen-wheeler is involved. While traffic accidents with commercial vehicles can never be eliminated altogether, following is a discussion of some common situations that can cause or contribute to such accidents. Unsafe Acts By Passenger Vehicle Drivers Oftentimes a traffic accident between a passenger vehicle (i.e. a car) and a commercial truck is caused in part by an unsafe act on the part of the car driver. The factor most common in collisions involving passenger vehicles and large trucks is car drivers' ignorance of a truck's performance limitations and capabilities, including limits associated with acceleration, braking, and visibility. Some common unsafe acts committed by car drivers in the vicinity of large trucks include: • Driving in the "No-Zones" - the areas behind and beside a commercial truck where the truck driver has limited or zero visibility; such as the left rear quarter, the right rear quarter, and directly behind the truck at a short distance. |
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