Arkansas 18 Wheeler Accidents

The truck accident attorneys at The Hershewe Law Firm discuss accident safety in Arkansas and explain how to prevent injuries and lawsuits from 18 wheeler accidents.

There are many contributing factors in trucking accidents that are beyond our control such as road and weather conditions and the truck driver’s operation and maintenance of the vehicle. There are, however, precautions that passenger car drivers can take to prevent accidents with 18 wheelers. Many drivers are not aware of some of the performance limitations that a truck driver must contend with. Due to their large size and weight, some fully loaded 18 wheelers weigh in at over 80,000 lbs, putting serious limitations on braking and acceleration, as well as increasing reaction time in general. Add to this visibility restrictions and it may become clear why it is so important to drive with extreme caution when on the road with large trucks.

Any collision with an 18 wheeler is significantly more dangerous than a collision with a passenger car, so it is wise to avoid the following unsafe driving behaviors:

Any action that would cause a truck to maneuver or brake quickly.
Driving in the "No-Zones” which are the areas behind and beside an 18 wheeler where the truck driver’s visibility is limited or non-existent. This includes passing on the right.
Changing lanes abruptly in front of an 18 wheeler or passing without allowing adequate space between vehicles.
Failure to slow down or speed up when a tractor trailer is changing lanes or merging without accelerating sufficiently.
Driving between 18 wheelers or other large vehicles.
Failure to move a disabled vehicle completely out of moving traffic.

By understanding the capabilities and limits of large vehicles like 18 wheelers and by practicing safer driving behaviors, we can share the road more safely and prevent accidents and the serious injuries associated with them.

Contact The Hershewe Law Firm toll-free at 877-381-9734 for more advice on Arkansas trucking accident laws, statutes of limitations or how to pursue a trucking accident lawsuit. Feel free to email us also using our quick contact form.