The Dangers of Trucks Backing Up

It takes practice, training, and experience to operate a large tractor-trailer or semi-truck. Simply operating the truck on the open roads and keeping control of it is a difficult task on its own. Backing up these massive vehicles is even more challenging and it can also be dangerous. 

There are many large trucks that travel in, around, and through the state of Arizona daily. In 2018, the Arizona Department of Transportation reported that there were 249,410 total crashes of which 2,247 involved a truck tractor with or without a semi-trailer. Out of these over 2,000 crashes, 58 were fatal while 536 caused injuries.

Why is Backing Up a Truck So Dangerous?

• The large size and length of these trucks make it extremely hard to see clearly behind and to the right of the truck. Blind spots located in the back of the truck put anyone or anything that exists in the truck’s path at risk for being hit.
• Maneuvering a large truck that can have a truck bed several hundred feet long is not easy.
• Today, there are many trucks that utilize back-up cameras and collision assistance technology which is very helpful. However not every truck has these updates.

When a large truck is backing up on the road they require a large amount of room to do so, often having to utilize multiple lanes. As the truck driver makes those backing up moves, the angles of how the cab turns put people, other cars, sidewalks, and anything that is in close proximity vulnerable to be hit.

Trucks are best helped backing up by using a spotter to offer the driver guidance on their surroundings. While backing up, horns and lights should be used to warn others in the area that the truck is on the move. New truck drivers should have plenty of practice backing up their trucks in open spaces and truck companies should keep their drivers abreast of all industry back-up standards. Cargo must also be properly secured so it isn’t sliding and moving about while the truck is in motion, which can through the trailer off balance.

Where Can You Find an Arizona Truck Accident Lawyer?

When you have been hit and injured by a truck, there are a number of factors to look at which can determine liability. An experienced Arizona truck accident injury lawyer at ELG will examine your case and look for areas where the truck was at fault for your accident and responsible for your injuries. There are a number of parties that may be responsible to pay for your damages including the truck driver, the trucking company, even the manufacturer of the goods that the truck is hauling. Thousands of Arizona truck accidents happen every year in the state. The Phoenix serious injury attorneys at ELG will build a strong personal injury claim on your behalf that will help you obtain legal justice. Call the Phoenix truck accident injury attorneys at ELG today at (623) 877-3600 to schedule your free consultation.