15 Common (Some Stupid!) Reasons for Car Accidents

12) Tractor Trailers

The title of truck driver is one of the deadliest and most demanding in the United States. Truck drivers work long hours, driving great distance to deliver their loads. Sure, truck drivers are just people. There are good ones and bad ones. But not knowing how to drive around these big rigs can cause some serious accidents. A large truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds by law. Most passenger vehicles are about 3,000 – 4,000 pounds. A passenger vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds, traveling under ideal conditions at a speed of 65 miles per hour would take 316 feet to stop (nearly the length of a football field). In comparison, a fully loaded tractor-trailer weighing 80,000 pounds traveling under ideal conditions at a speed of 65 miles per hour will take 525 feet to stop (almost the length of two football fields).