As someone who shares the road with larger vehicles, you likely feel used to looking around you and checking your rearview mirror. However, some truckers may not think to do the same, which can cause serious accidents.
One of the biggest factors that can leave you with back or head injuries is if the other vehicle is speeding. Understanding why speed impacts a truck crash can help you as you travel on the road.
Reaction time and delay
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a larger vehicle needs more time to slow down or stop when the driver encounters an obstacle. Using the brakes and turning the wheel correctly both require a driver who is paying attention to the cars around them.
The faster a truck is going, the less likely it can stop in time to avoid hitting a smaller vehicle when the driver is dealing with distractions. Speeding contributes greatly to this problem since it limits the length of time the driver has to use the brakes after noticing a problem.
Intensity of accident
Traveling far above the speed limit can also lead to more intense injuries and extreme crashes. The intensity of the impact when two vehicles collide can leave you with more whiplash and spinal cord health issues.
Likelihood of a crash
If a truck is following the proper speed limit, then the driver has a better chance of seeing another small vehicle that is turning or coming to a stop and stopping before they hit them. The opposite is true when a trucker decides to speed since this action increases the likelihood that small mistakes can lead to a serious truck accident.