A tractor trailer accident can be deadly, in large part due to the size of a truck . A fully-loaded semi can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, or 20 times more than a passenger vehicle.
Although large trucks and buses have larger brakes than other cars and vehicles, they need more time to come to a complete stop. That’s why it’s especially important to keep a safe distance from tractor trailers while on the road.
This chart shows just how much time a truck needs to brake a various speeds:
Braking distances can also be affected by road surfaces and weather conditions such as rain, snow or ice. Keep further distances from trucks and tractor trailers under those circumstances in order to prevent auto accidents.
All drivers share the responsibility to make safe choices behind the wheel. Negligent driving can lead to serious accidents. Contact our firm if a careless driver injured you or a loved one. We can investigate the situation and answer your legal questions.