Large trucks, such as tractor trailers, semi trucks and 18 wheelers, present several challenges to their drivers, making them trickier to operate and thus more likely to become involved in a serious accident. First, large trucks require a longer stopping distance – making it easier for them to rear end other vehicles. Tractor trailers also have different blind spots than automobiles, and present greater visual obstruction to their drivers. Semi-trucks must adjust for their length by making wider turns, and they cannot always see vehicles nearby during the turning process. Tractor trailers pose particularly unique risks as the trailer can sometimes swing unexpectedly into another lane while on the highway. All of these factors contribute to the danger associated with large trucks.
