Truck collisions though rare are too often deadly for pedestrians, motorcycle riders, bicycle riders, and also car drivers and passengers. Truck drivers because of the height of the big rig, and the difficulties associated with driving a semi in congested urban environments like San Diego, the risk to unprotected road users from right-turning trucks primarily derives from the very often insufficient field of vision of the truck driver. Not every truck driver is aware of the dangers and problems of turning right in an urban setting. In many regions, the number of cyclists and pedestrians of are very high, while in other regions virtually no cyclists and pedestrians are encountered. Truck drivers and trucking companies need to be aware of this danger which is well documented in NHTSA research like, Endangerment of Pedestrians and Bicyclists at Intersections by Right Turning Trucks.
It is the inadequate field of view forward of the vehicle and to the right in particular that cause the truck drivers considerable problems. Modern crash safety auto improvements do not always work against big rig trucks and tracktor trailers because in underride side or rear collisions, these safety mechinisms are not triggered, air bags often do not deploy, and the frame engineering improvements for normal car v. car collisions do not deploy. The same catastrophic dangers apply to pedestrians and cyclists especially because of the lack of regulation requiring big rigs and tractor trailers to have side guards which protect vulnerable road users from becoming underneeth the trailer, especially common in truck v. bicycle right hook types of collisions. With side guards on a big rig or tractor trailer, the cyclist would be injured, but most likely survive because it is that becoming trapped and under the trailer, that compounds the risks and dangers of semi trucks.
Just like the above motorcyclist, the pedestrian on the sidewalk and about to enter the crosswalk and intersection is in a normal, but dangerous position. Pedestrians crossing directly in front of a semi in a crosswalk are also in danger because the the truck cab makes it difficult for the driver to see the pedestrians on sidewalks, entering crosswalks, and even difficult to see in front of the truck cab where a crosswalk might be. Due to the line of site of the semi truck driver, the pedestrian is difficult to see, if not completely invisible, because the pedestrian is obstructed by the shear size of the semi tractor trailer. Pedestrians are also two way traffic on the sidewalk, and both directions of entering the intersection are actually similarly dangerous because of the truck driver's line of site.
Everyday road hazards.
When a bicyclist is riding in the bicycle lane (typically right side of the road), or simply riding on the right of the main busy traffic lane, motor vehicles may be turning right through the bike lane, often unexpectedly in front of the bicyclist. This can result in a serious collision, It may trigger the bicyclist losing control of the bicycle. Or it may necessitate the bicyclist needing to force a fall to prevent contact with the automobile.
Read moreFor cyclists, getting car doored is too common and extremely dangerous resulting in serious injury and even death.
Read moreTrucks are very dangerous for bicycle and pedestrians, even small cars and motorcycles and all vehicles deal with underride and sideguard crash dangers around semi tractor trailers.
Read moreMany drivers are simply not looking for bikes, pedestrians, nor motorcycles.. Other drivers are multi-tasking, doing their hair, makeup,eating, texting or talking on the phone, and they really aren't able to pay enough attention to their driving and other vehicles on the road, including bikes, motorcycles and pedestrians.
Read moreThe bicyclist may try to avoid the accident and may fall as a result of a collision avoidance maneuver. In many cases, a collision doesn't have to occur for injury nor expensive damages to the bike to occur. When a bicyclist rightly avoids a car turning in front and cutting them off, she may lose control of the bicycle, and crash.
Read moreWith transportation design, right hook collisions are preventable. It will take everyone to make our roadways safe for all users. Drivers need to be aware of the dangers of distracted driving. Understanding how bicycle v. car right hook collisions occur can help us enjoy many more miles of bicycling and driving.
Read moreDiscovering fault in a truck accident may be difficult. When involved in a truck wreck, you should always contact an experienced California truck accident attorney immediately.
Read moreDean Goetz has represented and obtained sizeable settlements for numerous bicycle riders whose cases were rejected by other attorneys.
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