The state of Mississippi’s roadways and interstate systems service over 5 million travelers a year. Estimates of 15.5 million trucks operate in the United States each year. Of this figure, 2 million are tractor trailers. At Richard Schwartz and Associates of Mississippi we understand the risk this poses to Mississippi citizens. Even though eighteen wheeler drivers are professionally trained, there are still over 500,000 car accidents involving the big rigs every year. These accidents usually occur on rural sections of the interstate, and Mississippi has many areas like this. Richard Schwartz and Associates of Mississippi wants to help reduce the number of big rig car accidents in our state.

What’s so surprising is that many of these wrecks are caused by people driving too closely to these big rigs, and not recognizing an eighteen wheeler’s blind spot. That means these kinds of wrecks can be prevented with proper education and driver attentiveness.

So where is an eighteen wheeler’s blind spot? There is no definite answer to this question. Depending on the size of the truck’s load and of the cab, the blind spot varies. What doesn’t vary is one simple rule that many drivers do not follow when they’re behind an eighteen wheeler.

Because of this, a space of two to three average car lengths should be placed between an eighteen wheeler and a normal sized vehicle traveling behind it. This extra space allows the drivers to see your vehicle, and gives you extra space in case of an accident.

When passing an eighteen wheeler, caution should always be used. Statistics show that it will be easier for big rig drivers to see a vehicle passing on its left as opposed to its right. Most eighteen wheelers, however, always have a blind spot on both sides of their trailers. That means you should never linger when passing an eighteen wheeler. Always try to move by a big rig quickly to avoid lingering in their blind spots.

At Richard Schwartz and Associates of Mississippi, we understand the risks of driving with eighteen wheelers. We also understand that car wrecks happen. If you have been injured in an accident with an eighteen wheeler or a normal sized vehicle, please consider using the Richard Schwartz and Associates law firm to represent you. We are in the business of helping people, and will help you recover what you’ve lost. For a free and confidential consultation please enter the form on the right hand side or call us at 601-988-8888.