New York has multiple interstate highways transversing the state. Drivers are likely to encounter numerous large commercial trucks on these busy roads.
These massive vehicles can be intimidating, so many drivers do their best to give them plenty of room. They know that these trucks have large blind spots, can’t stop or slow down quickly and can overturn or spill their cargo – causing massive damage and casualties.
People might reasonably assume that most fatal crashes involving trucks occur on interstates and other busy highways with high speed limits and considerable commercial truck traffic. However, that’s not the case.
In fact, motorists are more likely to be killed in a truck crash on rural roads — which are common throughout parts of upstate New York. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, over half (54%) of fatal large truck crashes were on rural roads. Nearly three-quarters (74%) were on non-interstate roads.
The unique risks of sharing rural roads with trucks
Rural roads are more dangerous places to drive alongside commercial trucks (and for the truck drivers as well). Here are just a few of the risks:
- They often have only one lane in each direction.
- The lanes are often narrow and sometimes winding.
- Passing can be dangerous (partly because of the blind spots noted above).
- Vehicles often exceed the speed limit when there’s little traffic.
Rural areas can be a dangerous place to be involved in a serious crash because the nearest hospital or other medical facility may be many miles away. Further, it can take first responders a long time to get to the scene – particularly if the crash has caused a traffic pile-up.
Those in smaller vehicles generally fare worse in a crash with a large truck than those in the truck. It can be extremely challenging to get the needed compensation if the truck driver bears any responsibility for the crash.
Blame often gets shifted around between the driver’s employer, the company that owns the truck (if it’s not the employer) and even another company that may have loaded or maintained the truck. Sometimes, these parties blame the truck manufacturer. That’s one reason it’s important to have experienced legal guidance to seek compensation and justice.