Fort Lauderdale Stopping Distance

Motor vehicle accidents in Fort Lauderdale and across South Florida happen for a variety of reasons. While drunk driving, distracted driving, and other causes of accidents get much attention in the news, however, stopping distance issues are sometimes ignored – even though they are a major cause of collisions. Stopping distance differences between passenger cars and trucks are considerable, with large trucks taking significantly more time to come to a complete stop when compared with passenger cars. In some cases, this difference can cause serious crashes if truck drivers and passenger car drivers are negligent.

If you have been injured in a car or truck collision, do you know what really caused your accident? You can always reach Flaxman Law Group if you have been injured and would like to schedule a free case review.

There many reasons why a truck driver may not be able to stop in time in order to prevent a collision:

1) Fatigued driving. Fatigued driving slows response times and makes it harder for drivers to brake in time to avoid a crash. Truck drivers work long hours and often face very tight deadlines. Despite this, this is no excuse for fatigued driving, which has been proven by research studies to be extremely dangerous. Truck drivers are expected to abide by federal rules which require them to get adequate rest breaks. Truck drivers are also expected to stop and get rest if they are feeling fatigued.

2) Weather. In slippery, wet weather, stopping distances for trucks may be longer. In these cases, truck drivers are expected to start braking earlier and to slow down their speeds that they can brake safely when they need to.

3) Road design. In some cases, poor road design can contribute to stopping distance issues. Poor signage or poor lighting, for example, may not allow a driver of a big rig or tractor-trailer to notice the need to stop in time. Poor roadway markings, slippery surfaces, poorly designed road surfaces can prevent a truck from stopping in time to prevent a collision.

4) Mechanical failure. Truck drivers rely heavily on their brakes and tires. Bald tires or poorly inflated tires can increase stopping distance, as can poorly maintained brakes. Brake failure can mean that a truck does not stop in time, even if the truck driver does everything possible to prevent a crash.

5) Lack of truck maintenance. Both truck drivers and truck companies are expected to maintain trucks and keep them safe for the roads. When they fail to do so, a truck may experience mechanical failure or may simply not respond as expected, potentially not stopping in time to prevent a crash.

6) Drunk Driving. Drunk driving can increase stopping distance for truck because it can mean that a truck driver responds too slowly to potential hazards on the road and does not engage brakes in time.

7) Driver negligence. Driver error or distracted driving can prevent a truck driver from stopping in time, leading to stopping distance collisions.

If you need legal advice or representation at any time, contact Flaxman Law Group for a no cost, no commitment case review. Our attorneys have more than sixty years of experience and stand by their clients through every step of the claims process.