Driving near a semi-truck can make Georgia drivers feel uneasy. This is only natural, considering their size and heft. The stories of jackknife and rollover crashes can also cause anxiety as drivers pass a truck on the highway.
The risk of a truck accident is very real whenever you are near a semi-truck, but there are a few areas where drivers should take extra care to avoid a serious accident.
Is the chance of an accident higher in certain areas?
According to 2018 data, the risk of a fatal truck accident could increase depending on where you drive. The National Safety Council (NSC) found that:
- 57.09% of fatal truck accidents occurred in rural areas
- 74.25% of fatal accidents occurred on non-interstate roads
These statistics might surprise many drivers. After all, it is usually more common to see semi-trucks speeding down interstate highways. But the risk of a serious accident extends far beyond the interstate’s boundaries.
Why does the risk increase?
There are a few reasons why the threat of an accident might increase in rural areas and non-interstate roadways, including:
- Even professional drivers can face challenges when they are in unfamiliar areas, and routes off of the interstate often fall into this category
- Truck drivers might be more diligent on the interstate and in areas with more cars on the road, leading them to relax in less busy or less populated areas
- The risk of drivers engaging in distracted driving might increase as they feel more relaxed on non-interstate roads or rural areas
- Routes off of the interstate are also more likely to have poorer road conditions, increasing the chance of an accident
Of course, the common factors that influence truck accidents, such as driver fatigue or drug use, still play large roles in these situations, regardless of where drivers are on the road.
What can drivers do to stay safe?
When driving on Georgia roads, you must always take extra care when you come across large semi-trucks – whether you are in the middle of the city or using back roads. It can help if drivers adhere to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) tips to drive safely around trucks at all times. That way, they can ensure they stay alert and safe on the road.
