Semi-Trucks and You

We’ve all been trained to demonstrate complete and total awareness while on the road, and sharing driving space with a semi-truck is sure to ensure that you’re paying attention. Unfortunately, semi-trucks can present an incredibly dangerous predicament for those involved in a crash with them. 

Accidents involving automobiles and pedestrians frequently result in life-changing injuries or even death – when you add a semi-truck into that equation, the potential for tragedy is multiplied exponentially. 

In this article we will cover statistics involving large trucks and pedestrians along with smart practices to avoid these situations. This is the sort of information that can be used to strengthen cases involving semi-trucks and pedestrians. If you or a loved one was involved in such an accident, please contact us to investigate the circumstances and represent your best interests.

Semi-Truck Accidents, by the Numbers

Almost three-quarters of pedestrian involved fatalities in traffic accidents take place in urban settings as opposed to rural ones, which makes sense when you take population density into account. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) studies and presents this data each year, and can be used as a vital resource when thinking about your relationship with the open road. According to the NHTSA, 14% of all traffic fatalities in motor vehicle traffic involved pedestrians in 2012, while 90% of pedestrians killed in crashes only involved a single vehicle. 

This same study states that 84% of deaths on the road involved pedestrians and passenger cars/light trucks, while only 6% of these deaths involved pedestrians and larger vehicles. This can be taken one of two ways:

This is a rather small percentage and should not change the way that you operate your vehicle on the roads, or; 

Take caution due to the fact that pedestrians accounted for 15% of all deaths involving larger vehicles in 2012. 

When you’re sharing the road with a large truck or vehicle, take into consideration that while the statistic may not be overly alarming, pedestrians are frequently overrepresented in truck accident fatality statistics. Those who come into contact with large trucks, vehicles, and semi-trucks are more susceptible to death stemming from their injuries as opposed to those who are in accidents with smaller vehicles. In short, take extra caution around larger vehicles if you are a pedestrian road user. 

Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Semi Truck Operators 

Avoid the risk of death or the challenge of injury recovery by adhering to local laws and ordinances put in place to minimize accidents on the road. Accidents happen, but if you are able to practice diligence and safety while out on the road, you may be able to minimize your potential for tragedy. 

Pedestrians Should: 

• Be aware. When you find yourself in a situation when you have larger than average vehicles moving nearby, stay alert and remove yourself from a place where their mistake could result in your injury.
• Remain on the sidewalk whenever possible – if there is no sidewalk, remain on the left side of the roadway in the direction of oncoming traffic. This allows you to be seen by oncoming cars and trucks, and while it may seem counterintuitive to your safety, it gives you the opportunity to see what is coming and take the appropriate measures to ensure your personal safety. 
• Never assume that a driver is aware of your position on the road. If possible, attempt to make eye contact with drivers to ensure that they are aware of your presence and you can give each other the proper amount of space necessary to pass safely. 
• Do not make sudden movements or act in an unpredictable manner. This applies to drivers, as well as pedestrians on foot. If you behave in an unpredictable way, it will be much harder to gauge your movements, making you and others around you more prone to accidents resulting in injury or death. Move in a way that is predictable, consistent, and safe to ensure that you remain safe. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, and don’t assume that cars will stop at stop or yield signs. Be wary of your surroundings and don’t behave in a way that would startle you if you were driving a large vehicle. 
• Boost your visibility by wearing bright clothing during the day and reflective materials after the sun has set. In the age of personal cell phones and texting while driving, you can’t be too safe. Take the proper precautions when leaving the house to ensure that you return safely.  

Henderson Law Wants to Keep You Safe

Henderson Law strives to provide you with everything that you need to attain compensation and/or appropriate care for your struggle. By taking the proper measures to increase your safety on the road, you can drastically minimize your potential for accidents with other vehicles. However, accidents do happen – and that’s where Henderson Law comes in to help. With over 30 years of combined legal experience and a strong portfolio of proven expertise, the team at Henderson Law is dedicated to protect the rights of vehicle-related victims in Maryland and the surrounding DC area. 

Call (410) 721-1979 to schedule an obligation-free consultation with one of our attorneys. Our team will work hard to ensure that you receive not only the best results, but the results that work specifically for you.