Traffic can make driving in New York challenging for anyone, and when you drive a passenger vehicle, maneuvering between and around large trucks may seem intimidating and dangerous. However, according to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, car drivers are responsible for more than 60 percent of the large truck accidents that result in fatalities. Developing an understanding of the major differences in large truck performance on the road may help you to avoid a collision.

Driving your car at 55 miles per hour, it will take you about 193 feet to come to a complete stop. A tractor trailer that has cool brakes takes nearly 300 feet, and with hot brakes, the vehicle travels roughly 430 feet while stopping. The longer stopping distances make it especially dangerous for you to cut off a truck in traffic. If you do, the driver may not be able to avoid hitting your vehicle.

Lane change accidents are often due to driver blind spots. While you have blind spots in your car, they are small compared to the areas along the sides and rear of a large truck that are obscured from the driver. Driving in areas where you are not visible increases your risk of a crash. When you can see the driver in his side mirrors, he is more likely to be able to see your vehicle, too.

The driver of the truck is much less likely to be injured in a collision because of the size and ground clearance of the vehicle compared to a car. Although these safety precautions may not help if the truck driver is distracted or fatigued, doing your part contributes to safer New York roadways. This information about tractor trailer hazards is for educational purposes only, and should not be taken as legal advice.