Semi-trucks have much longer stopping distances than other vehicles. Drivers need to be aware of this, or they could find themselves in a position where they cannot stop in time to avoid a collision.
Exactly how far any vehicle needs to stop is dependent on numerous factors, such as the condition of the brakes, the condition of the road surface, the weight of the vehicle and how fast it is traveling. But it generally takes around 300 feet for a passenger car to come to a stop, while a semi-truck will need closer to 525 feet. This is why truck drivers need to give themselves a longer stopping distance, in many cases.
Avoiding driver distraction
This long stopping distance also affects other activities that drivers engage in behind the wheel.
For instance, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration bans the use of handheld mobile devices on the job. There are many reasons for this, but one is that a distracted driver may have a delayed reaction when hitting the brakes. Because a semi-truck needs longer to stop than the cars around it, this delay could be catastrophic. Drivers always need to be focused on the road and ready to apply the brakes as soon as necessary.
Seeking compensation after an accident
If you have been involved in an accident with a semi-truck, you may have suffered severe injuries. Those in other vehicles are often in greater danger because of the size and weight of the truck that strikes them. If you have been seriously injured, then you need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages.