‌Why Connecticut Truck Accidents Can Be More Deadly Than Auto Accidents

If you’re driving down I-95 anywhere in the state of Connecticut, you know that it is heavily populated with trucks.  Trucks are a lifeblood of our economy, transporting goods throughout the United States efficiently.  They are also very dangerous vehicles to have on the road and lead to nearly 10% of all highway fatalities according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  While making up 10% of fatalities these vehicles actually only makeup 4% of all vehicles on the roads.  

Why are Connecticut truck accidents so much more deadly than Connecticut auto accidents?

When you are involved in an accident with a truck it will become obvious very quickly why trucks can cause higher rates of fatality then cars.  Let’s take a look at some of the factors for the damage that trucks inflict;

• Trucks typically weigh 40 tons (or 80,000 pounds), meanwhile a car averages between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds.
• Increased weight means trucks can not stop as quickly as cars and therefore accidents involving trucks usually happen at higher speeds.
• Cars often slide under trucks due to their low centers of gravity which can cause a catastrophic accident even at a lower speed.

While you cannot combat the laws of gravity and physics, you can do some things to protect yourself from getting involved in a Connecticut truck accident.  You can stay out of a truck’s blindspot, avoid tailgating or even driving behind a truck, and never pass a truck on it’s right hand side.  Following some simple safety procedures will help you avoid a serious injury or worse yet a fatality at the hands of the trucks that are on the roads.

The traffic volume of trucks along Connecticut’s roads is not likely to slow down any time soon so it is important that you remain vigilant in your efforts to stay safe and avoid any risky behaviors when driving alongside these giant vehicles.

It is nearly impossible to avoid any interactions with trucks on the highway and if you come in contact with a truck and experience an injury you may need an experienced attorney to review your case.  Contact our office and one of our attorneys will assist you.