The number of commercial truck accidents as a part of the statistics on injury and fatality accidents in America is relatively small in comparison to the number of other accidents. The numbers are below ten percent and have been as low as 8% in recent years.
Now if you or a friend or loved one has been involved in an 18 wheeler accident then the loss can dominate your thoughts- but overall, with millions of drivers taking to the road each day some that are "out of service" and in states of 'disrepair' one can breathe a heavy sigh of relief that there are not more truck wrecks than what actually occur.
My advice to drivers who wish to avoid an injury accident with a big truck is to adhere to the following suggestions. First, if you are passing a semi truck do not linger at its side but move quickly around it (within safe speeds) and then give yourself plenty of room before pulling back in front of it.
Drive defensively - day and night. If you are following the rules of the road you have a better chance of reaching your destination safely. That means don't tailgate (especially big rigs because the rule of the road is if you can't see the vehicle then he can't see you) or speed.
Always be on guard for erratic driving in cars and 18-wheelers. If you see one that does not seem to be following strict driving guidelines then notify your state highway patrol by pulling over safety and either dialing 911 or the number of your local Highway Patrol.
