Large vehicles are very common on the roads in the United States. They’re also very dangerous. The current trend of consumers wanting oversized pickup trucks and SUVs is taking quite a toll in terms of accidents, injuries and fatalities.
There are many different ways that these accidents happen, from drunk driving to distracted driving to simple human error. But what is it about overly large vehicles that makes them so dangerous? Let’s take a look at two inherent risk factors.
Energy transfer
To begin with, think of every car accident as a transfer of energy from one vehicle to another. Those receiving the transfer are going to suffer more serious injuries and they are more likely to pass away. Physics dictates that a larger vehicle typically transfers more energy into a smaller one, especially when speeds are the same. In other words, every person driving an F-150 is more likely to injure someone else in an accident that they cause than they are to be injured themselves.
Reduced sightlines
Another problem with modern vehicles is that their blind spots are much larger than they need to be. When vehicles are very tall and have a blunt front end, as many oversized pickup trucks and SUVs do, drivers can’t see children, pedestrians and cyclists. In some cases, they can’t even see small vehicles, like motorcycles. The inability to see leads to many serious accidents.
Seeking compensation
Have you been injured by one of these negligent drivers? If so, take the time to look into your rights to seek financial compensation for lost wages, medical bills and more.