Whenever you’re driving a semitruck, it is important to think about how the truck differs from a passenger vehicle and what that can mean for you.

One of the biggest differences, of course, is weight. Your standard car likely runs between 3,000 pounds and 4,000 pounds. Some SUVs and pickup trucks weigh a bit more.

While two tons may sound like a lot, a semi weighs far more. The maximum weight allowed by law is 80,000 pounds. It does vary depending on fuel and the weight of the load itself, but it’s significantly more than a car.

One way that this impacts driving is in terms of stopping distances. If you drove at 65 miles per hour in your car and then hit the brakes, you would need over 300 feet to stop. Your car would cover an entire football field.

If a truck driver tried to stop from 65 mph, though, a truck that weighed in at 80,000 pounds would need more like 525 feet before it came to a stop. That’s almost twice as far as your car. Even with many wheels providing braking power, a heavy truck just cannot stop quickly.

In some cases, this leads to rear-end accidents when truck drivers do not leave enough space between the truck and the next car or when they do not hit the brakes in time. You may stop quickly and then get hit from behind by an out-of-control semi.

An accident like this is difficult to avoid and can lead to serious injuries, so you need to know what legal options you have.

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Trucker fatigue is a significant problem on the highways and city streets around the country. These individuals often work long hours to ensure that their cargo makes it from the starting point to the final destination. Some of these loads are time sensitive, so they can’t be delayed. This often results in many miles traversed each shift.

Many individuals don’t realize that truckers who are fatigued aren’t always running on lack of sleep. There are many other causes that can lead to this issue. For example, having to drive in a hot and stuffy truck can do it, so truckers who don’t have suitable climate control systems in their rigs are at risk of this.

Monotonous driving, wet weather and driving on roads that are familiar can also lead to trucker fatigue. Highway hypnosis is also possible. This usually occurs when they are driving during the overnight hours when most humans are sleeping because it impacts the circadian rhythm.

Some truckers have to do other physical labor, which can also lead to fatigue. If they are forced to load and unload the truck before they drive, the exertion they face could negatively impact their ability to drive safely. This is one reason why nondriving hours are addressed in regulations that outline how long these truckers can drive.

Individuals who are struck by a trucker who was suffering from fatigue might need to determine the underlying cause of the fatigue. This could help them in their claim for compensation since it enables them to show negligence. These claims seek to recover damages for medical bills and other expenses that are directly related to the injuries caused by the crash.

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Motor vehicle collisions on TV and in the movies tend to be loud and dramatic experiences, where the vehicle always winds up catching fire and the people escape near-certain death only through the intervention of a stranger or first responder. The reality of car crashes can be much banaler.

Many times, there is only twisted metal and shattered glass instead of the dramatic flames or explosions people expect after a collision. Just like the media strives to dramatize what a car crash looks like, so too do they make the injuries people suffer after a crash seem more visually obvious. After all, a grotesquely broken arm is going to have more of an impact on a movie audience than invisible internal injuries.

Broken bones and traumatic injuries like a spinal cord injury that prevents you from getting out of your vehicle are always possible in a motor vehicle collision. However, you should also be aware that some of the most serious injuries people can suffer in a crash will not be visible to the naked eye.

Brain injuries sometimes don’t produce symptoms for days

Your skull does an incredible job of keeping your brain safe from blunt-force trauma and random accidents. However, if you do get hit in the head or experience violent shaking, the bruising, bleeding or swelling of your brain that results could put increasing levels of pressure on your brain long after the accident happened. You may not have any external signs of your injuries at all.

Brain injuries can get worse with time without proper treatment. In many cases, people don’t display symptoms right after a crash. It can take time for the bleeding or bruising to impact the brain’s functions. Anyone in a crash where they were thrown around, lost consciousness or suffered a blow to the head should stay on high alert for the symptoms of brain injuries in the days after the crash.

Internal bleeding is a serious condition that can prove fatal

Trauma to the soft tissues of your body may seem like the lowest concern after a crash. If you don’t have broken bones or any other obvious visible injuries, you may feel quite grateful. However, it is possible for the seatbelts, airbag or steering wheel to cause trauma to your abdomen.

The soft center of your body houses the majority of your organs, many of which are vulnerable to damage in a crash. There are also countless blood vessels that help support the muscles and organs in your abdominal cavity. Damage to the organs or bruising inside your abdominal cavity can lead to major loss of blood.

Internal bleeding after a crash could be enough to result in someone’s death. Any sort of traumatic injury to the abdomen or sides typically requires a careful medical examination to rule out internal bleeding or to treat it if it is present.

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Sometimes, external factors contribute to major motor vehicle collisions. For example, inclement weather conditions like icy roads or high winds can make it much harder to control vehicles, especially larger, heavier vehicles like commercial trucks. However, in most collisions, behaviors on the part of one or more of the drivers involved play more of a role than outside factors do in the collision.

You might imagine that with all the extra training and regulations that truck drivers have to deal with that they wouldn’t make mistakes at the wheel that could endanger them and others. Still, truckers are human and prone to the same kinds of mistakes as everyone else. Three behavioral issues in particular can create risk for everyone else on the road.

Long days on the road can drive someone to distraction

Think about how bored you get during your commute to work each day. Now imagine that instead of 30 to 60 minutes, you were driving for eight or even 12 hours at a time. Many commercial truck drivers follow the same route day after day or week after week. Much like your route to work which has become monotonous and dull, so, too, can their work and routes become mind-numbing.

To push back against that boredom or combat the strain that long hours can place on a relationship, commercial truck drivers may choose to make unsafe decisions, such as texting or even using social media while driving.

Distraction in commercial truck drivers is particularly dangerous, as it increases their reaction time while in control of a vehicle that already takes longer than others to stop or turn. Additionally, the massive size of commercial vehicles creates the risk of catastrophic damage to the smaller passenger vehicle involved in a crash.

Commercial truck drivers often work too many hours

Commercial truck drivers have to deliver the loads assigned to them on a very tight schedule. On top of needing to earn enough money to support themselves and their families, they have to fulfill their obligations to their employer, who may need to have a lot of driving done in any given week.

The Hours of Service rules set by the federal government limit truck drivers to no more than 11 active driving hours in a single shift with a mandated 10-hour break afterward. However, those rules don’t consider the commute at the beginning or the end of the shift.

Drivers may have to spend quite a bit of their 10-hour break doing chores or self-care instead of sleeping. The less sleep a trucker gets, the more likely they are to experience fatigue or exhaustion, which can impair their driving ability much like alcohol.

Intoxicating substances are particularly dangerous for commercial drivers

It is both illegal and dangerous for anyone to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after having consumed too much alcohol, used recreational drugs or taken many different kinds of prescription medications.

Unfortunately, people can and do still drive when they know that chemical impairment could affect their abilities. Truck drivers could choose to drive while under the influence of powerful cold medication, for example, if they feel like they can’t call in sick to work. Someone else might get called into a shift they don’t want to turn down after having spent the afternoon drinking with their friends.

Regardless of the circumstances, impairment on the part of commercial drivers is dangerous for them and for the people who share the road with them.

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Drivers can’t let anything distract them from the road. One thing that pulls a lot of drivers away from their duties is a cellphone. Texting while driving is a huge issue that can easily claim lives because reading and writing messages takes time.

Safety on the road is everyone’s business, so any driver should be aware of the dangers of texting and driving. It takes an average of 5 seconds to read or respond to a text. A driver who is traveling 55 miles per hour, which is slower than most interstate speeds, will go at least the distance equivalent to the length of a football field during that short 5-second period. You can imagine how many crashes can occur during that time.

You must remember that cellphones aren’t the only distraction that drivers face. Other distractions that can impact drivers include billboards, food, beverages, other passengers, GPS devices and similar things. Even being deep in thought can distract drivers enough to where they don’t make the best decisions when they are driving. All drivers must avoid becoming so enthralled with things other than driving.

Parents might not realize this, but what they are doing while they drive is what their teens are going to model when they start to drive. For this reason, all parents must set the proper example for their children.

People who suffer injuries at the hands of a distracted driver might opt to seek compensation for the financial impacts of the crash. This can include money for medical bills, lost wages and other types of damages that might also be possible depending on the circumstances.

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The autumn season is here, which means it is the perfect time to see the changing leaves and similar sights. Before you get out on your motorcycle, take the time to ensure that you are ready for the ride.

You must wear appropriate gear, including a helmet that has the approval of the Department of Transportation. Wearing a helmet dramatically reduces the chance that you will suffer a traumatic brain injury if you are in an accident. Remember to replace it every five years or immediately after a crash.

Wearing brightly colored clothing makes it easier to see you. Having reflective striping or a vest can be beneficial if you are riding from dusk to dawn. Because you have to think about road rash, wear long pants and shirts with sleeves. While leather is ideal, you can choose a thick material.

Pay close attention to the traffic around you as you approach intersections, which is where around half of motorcycle versus car crashes occur. This is one of the deadliest locations for motorcyclists.

Stay alert throughout the entire drive. Things like potholes, fallen leaves and road hazards can toss you off your bike. Other drivers might be dealing with distractions and make unsafe maneuvers. By remaining sober and vigilant, you might be able to avoid a crash that could have had serious implications.

Around 80% of all motorcycle accidents that are reported have at least one injury or fatality. The victims in these crashes might opt to pursue a claim for compensation to help minimize the financial impact. This can help to cover medical care and other expenses related to the wreck.

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The fall harvest season is a busy one for those who work on farms. Even though there is so much to do, there is no reason for safety to fall on the back burner. By keeping it a top priority, everyone who is working to bring the crops in can go home safely at the end of the day.

There are many risks during this time. Remembering these safety tips can help you to make it through each shift without injury.

Get enough rest

Days are long when you are working in the fields. The conditions are sometimes harsh. Because you get up early every morning and might not get home until the evenings, it is easy to skimp on rest. Fatigue is a serious issue when working with heavy machinery. Try to give your mind and body a rest in the middle of your workday, possibly around the time you eat lunch.

Learn how to operate machinery

The heavy equipment you use when harvesting can be dangerous. Always turn it off if you are going to have to leave the equipment, even if only for a minute. You also have to watch for other people who are working in the same area as your machinery. Catastrophic injuries can occur if a person is run over by a farm equipment.

Practice road safety

If you have to operate your equipment on a public road, use proper road safety. The equipment needs to have the reflective triangle on the back. This warns drivers that you are moving slowly. You should also always assume that traffic is heading your way when you are turning onto the roadway. Don’t assume that drivers will slow down or stop.

If there is any doubt about whether you can make it onto the road and start moving safely, wait until you can be sure. Use appropriate hand signals or turn signals to let drivers know when you are going turn, and always travel as far on the right side of the road as possible.

If you do suffer an injury while working to bring in the crops, seek medical care. These injuries might not seem significant, but there could be underlying issues. Ultimately, you can opt to file a claim for compensation if the injury was due to defective equipment or tools, or if there is a chance of filing for workers’ compensation.

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The size and weight of semitrucks make these vehicles rather dangerous, but most truckers know how to operate the rigs safely. In order to do this, however, they must be fully cognizant of what’s going on at all times. Any kind of impairment decreases the public’s safety.

One particular issue that is on the rise now is marijuana. With the legalization of this drug in more states for both recreational and medicinal use, steps are being taken to increase the oversight for all drivers, including truckers. Any driver who is high on marijuana can cause major safety issues. They might not make decisions based on what is safe, which can impact every vehicle around them.

When it comes to truckers, the laws are clear. They are forbidden to use marijuana — even for medical purposes — and then drive. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s regulations cover this point. Just like any other high-powered drug, marijuana can affect motor control, reflexes and decision-making skills, so drivers can’t risk it.

Unfortunately, there are always going to be some people who skirt the rules or decide that they can somehow get away with impaired driving. The widespread availability of marijuana may make the temptation too much to resist.

The victims of impaired trucking accidents often suffer serious injuries that require costly medical care and might prevent the victim from being able to work. If you’ve suffered a serious injury in a trucking accident and you believe (or know) that the driver was impaired due to marijuana, it’s smart to talk to an attorney about your rights and options.

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Motorcyclists will usually ride their bikes until the roads become too unsafe to do so. Since the autumn weather is almost here, now is the time for motorcyclists to brush up on the safety skills that will help them to remain safe as the weather begins to change.

More wildlife will venture around as they prepare for the winter. You have to be especially careful when you are in areas that are frequented by deer. They are going to spend the fall searching for food and trying to get away from hunters. Slamming into a deer when you are on a motorcycle is a recipe for disaster.

You also have to watch for leaves. These can cause a problem for motorcyclists whether they are wet or dry. Wet leaves, even if they are just a bit damp from dew, can have an ice-like effect for bikers. A pile of dry leaves can even cause you to lose control of the motorcycle.

As the weather gets colder, there is a chance for frost build-up to occur on the roads. You might not be able to see it, so you have to make sure that you are paying close attention and keeping a firm control on your motorcycle. Frost is more likely in the early morning hours, so be vigilant if you have to ride then. You might notice a glistening on the ground in frosty areas.

These months of the year are also a bit more dangerous because drivers might not think motorcyclists will ride then. Try to make yourself as visible as possible for them. If you are struck, seek out medical care and remember that you might be able to seek compensation.

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The days are getting cooler and soon there will be frost dusting the pumpkins awaiting harvest in the fields. Now is the time for all sorts of autumn celebrations, including Halloween parties, high school homecomings and the University of North Carolina’s (UNC) Fall Fest.

While UNC differs from many universities by celebrating its homecoming in February, that doesn’t dampen its Fall Fest celebrations. The last Saturday in October is always a time of harvest revelry — and that often includes drinking alcohol.

Underage drinking often occurs

Even though the legal drinking age remains 21 in North Carolina and the other 49 states, it would be disingenuous to pretend that no underage drinking takes place among the student body. It does — and that’s a major problem.

The problem is exacerbated when these underage drinkers and others who imbibe alcoholic beverages then climb behind the wheel and drive.

Binge-drinking creates further woes

Researchers have identified patterns of drinking for college and university students. The results of one such study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s National Institutes of Health indicates that university students display unique patterns of drinking.

These patterns revolve around certain events and peak times during which college students are more likely to engage in binge drinking. To combat this problem, university and public health officials can employ event-specific prevention (ESP) tactics to student drinking.

Which events trigger binge-drinking?

Students tend to drink more heavily during culturally significant events like Fall Fest, as there is a major uptick in student alcohol consumption around special events and holidays. Even students who typically do not drink alcoholic beverages report an increase in consumption around these type of events.

But there are also personally significant events that can trigger students and cause them to overindulge. Since many college students turn 21 during their time at university, 21st birthday celebrations — both their own and their friends’ — are cited as times of increased drinking.

Students don’t have to necessarily be celebrating to pop a few too many tops or be too heavy on the pour. A bombed test, a painful breakup or other negative event can cause students to attempt to drown their sorrows in liquor.

Drunk drivers can ruin lives

In addition to their own lives damaged by the repercussions of drunk-driving arrests and accidents, those who drink and drive contribute to the carnage on our roads. If you wind up injured by a drunken driver, you may need to seek justice in the North Carolina civil court system.

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