It’s always frightening to drive next to a big rig or a tractor-trailer on the highway. Driving next to one of these big vehicles leaves drivers of passenger vehicles at risk of a serious or fatal accident. Unfortunately, accidents are typically life-threatening. A recent trucking accident in Foxboro killed an innocent driver, according to NECN.
The fatal trucking accident happened in the southbound lanes of Route 1 and North Street when a cement truck collided with a passenger vehicle. The accident was so severe that roadways in both directions were closed for over 2 hours as officials with the Massachusetts state police investigated.
Our Boston trucking accident attorneys get that feeling too, that anxious feeling when traveling next to large semis and tractor-trailers. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles has the ability to do some serious damage in the event of an accident. Oftentimes, accidents involving these large vehicles can be deadly. Luckily, with driver awareness and caution, we can all do our part to minimize these catastrophic collisions.
To no one’s surprise, there have been many more traffic accidents involving these big rigs over recent weeks. Recently, a trucking accident that happened in Erving left roads closed for hours after a trailer truck flipped on its side on Route 2. This accident happened just before 10:00 a.m. right by Christina’s Restaurant. State officers say that the 62-year-old driver of the truck was okay and that heavy duty wreckers were called to the scene to remove the truck from the roadway, according to 22News.
Trucking accidents can happen for a number of reasons, for both passenger vehicle driver and truck driver fault.
Trucking Accidents Can Be Caused By:
-Head-on, rear-end accidents and jackknives.
-Poor trucking maintenance, including brakes and tires.
-Sleepy and fatigued drivers.
-Dangerous road conditions.
-Poor weather conditions.
-Unsecured cargo or loads.
-Improper lane changes.
-Aggressive driving habits.
-Drug use.
-DWI.
-Lack of reflectors and poor visibility.
-Non-compliance with federal regulations.
-Driver inattention.
In all of these scenarios involving truck drivers, the drivers of passenger vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians are at an extreme disadvantage. Accidents involving big rigs, tractor-trailers, cement trucks, garbage trucks, 18-wheelers, etc. can all lead to catastrophic personal injury, death and damages. Equip yourself with safe driving habits to help to minimize these risks. Steer clear of these large vehicles when possible. Be safe, not sorry.
Trucking accidents are a common sight on our hectic Massachusetts roadways. It’s estimated that about 5,000 people die each year in the U.S. because of accidents involving large trucks. In 2009, there were more than 440 vehicles involved in fatal car accidents in the state of Massachusetts. During this time, more than 20 of these vehicles were large trucks.
If you or someone in your family has been injured or killed in a Boston car or trucking accident, contact Massachusetts Injury Attorney Jeffrey S. Glassman for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call 877-617-5333.
More Blog Entries:
New England Trucking Accident Blamed on Faulty Brakes, Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, October 12, 2011
Distracted Trucker Heading to Boston Slams into Amtrak Train Causing Fiery Accident, Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, September 27, 2011