Large commercial trucks play a critical role in transporting goods across the US, but their size and weight create unique challenges on the road.
One of the most dangerous maneuvers a truck can make is a wide turn. These turns require extra space and careful execution, but even with precautions, they can pose serious risks to other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
For everyone’s safety, it’s important to know the dangers of wide turns and how to stay safe around turning big rigs to help prevent truck accidents and injuries.
Why Do Trucks Need Extra Space for Turns?
Unlike passenger vehicles, large trucks have a much wider turning radius. Because of their length, they cannot make sharp turns like smaller cars. Instead, they must swing out into adjacent lanes or even oncoming traffic to complete a turn safely.
This extra space is necessary because the rear wheels of the trailer don’t follow the same path as the front wheels of the cab, a phenomenon known as “off-tracking.”
For example, when a truck makes a right turn, the front of the vehicle may initially move to the left before completing the turn. If other drivers don’t notice this, they may misjudge the truck driver’s intended direction and find themselves in a dangerous spot.
Common Dangers of Wide Turns
Wide turns create several hazards, particularly for vehicles and pedestrians near the truck. Some of the most common dangers include:
Squeezing Other Vehicles Out of Their Lane
A truck making a right turn may need to start from the center or left lane, leaving space on the right side.
If a car tries to pass on the right, the driver may become trapped between the truck and the curb, leading to a collision. This is especially dangerous at intersections where multiple vehicles may be stopped or waiting to turn.
Colliding with Oncoming Traffic
Left turns also present risks, as trucks may swing into the opposite lane before completing the turn.
When oncoming drivers are unaware of the truck’s wide turning path, they may be caught off guard and unable to react in time. This can lead to head-on or side-impact collisions and serious personal injuries.
Hitting Pedestrians and Cyclists
Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable when trucks make wide turns. A pedestrian crossing the street may not expect a truck to swing so far in one direction before completing the turn.
Cyclists riding in a designated bike lane or near the curb may get caught in the truck’s path if the driver does not see them.
Rollovers
If a truck takes a turn too quickly or if its cargo is unbalanced, it may become unstable and tip over. Rollover accidents can be catastrophic, especially on busy roads where multiple vehicles are nearby. Uneven weight distribution or improperly secured loads can further increase the risk of tipping during a turn.
How Truck Drivers Can Prevent Wide-Turn Accidents
According to The National Safety Council (NSC), more than 117,00 trucks are involved in crashes resulting in injuries each year.
Truck drivers have a responsibility to minimize the risks associated with wide turns.
Using turn signals well in advance and slowing down before initiating a turn can help truckers keep from confusing nearby drivers. By checking their mirrors often and staying aware of their blind spots, they can reduce the chances that other vehicles or pedestrians are in danger of being in their truck’s path.
By planning their routes ahead of time, truck drivers can better anticipate difficult turning spots and choose roads with enough space to maneuver safely. In crowded urban areas, making wide turns can be especially difficult, requiring extra caution to avoid tight spaces and unexpected obstacles.
Wide turns are a necessary but dangerous aspect of driving large trucks. The size and turning radius of commercial vehicles create hazards for other drivers, cyclists, and even pedestrians.
At Folkman Law, we believe that by understanding these risks and practicing safe driving habits, both truck drivers and other road users can work together to reduce the likelihood of wide-turn accidents.
Awareness, patience, and clear communication on the road can make a huge difference in limiting these serious, often deadly, crashes. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, our experienced truck accident attorneys can help.
