Danger Ahead: Big Rigs Make Roads More Hazardous
The stories of big rig accidents are in the news or on the police radio every day in California. Our state averages over 20 accidents a day involving large trucks.

July 12, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Danger Ahead: Big Rigs Make Roads More Hazardous

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The stories of big rig accidents are in the news or on the police radio every day in California. Our state averages over 20 accidents a day involving large trucks.

In June, one big rig rear-ended another on the 10 West Freeway, killing a victim and injuring a second person trapped in a truck cab. A couple of days earlier, a driver of a fuel tanker died when flames engulfed his truck after a crash in Long Beach.

Grim Numbers

Whenever a large truck collides with another vehicle, there is a potential for serious damage to people and property. Statistics paint a grim picture for those involved in collisions with big rigs: 98 percent of the fatalities in these accidents occur in the cars involved.

More than five thousand people a year die and more than 130,000 suffer injuries in accidents involving tractor trailers (the 18-wheelers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds). In order for a car to have the force of a large truck traveling 60 mph, a 3,000-pound car would have to be going over 300 mph.

Stay Safe

Safety professionals urge passenger vehicle drivers to be aware of the limitations of large trucks. Avoid big rig blind spots (if you can't see a truck's rear-view mirrors, the driver can't see you). Avoid tailgating and try to avoid being tailgated by a truck (an 18-wheeler takes three times the distance of a car to slow down safely).

What to Do After an Accident

Experts say if you or a member of your family has been involved in a collision with a large truck, there are several important steps to take:
-Get immediate medical attention for any injuries.
-Don't make statements to police, insurance companies, the other driver or anyone else in which you state that you were at fault for the accident.
-Inform your insurance company of the accident.
-Discuss the collision with an attorney who can help determine if you have any claims against the truck driver or trucking company.

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