Who is more at risk during a large truck collision
A They are equally at risk
B Truck passengers
C Passenger vehicle occupants
D None of these
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C) Passenger vehicle occupants.
When it comes to large truck collisions, occupants of passenger vehicles are typically at a higher risk of serious injury or death than those inside the truck. There are several reasons for this.
Firstly, large trucks are significantly heavier and larger than passenger vehicles, which means they can create more force during a collision. Trucks, especially when fully loaded, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to an average passenger car that weighs around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. This size and weight discrepancy creates a dangerous situation in a crash, as the passenger vehicle is more likely to suffer severe damage.
Another reason is the lack of protection for those in passenger vehicles. In a collision, the truck’s rigid structure and larger frame might shield its occupants to some extent, while the passenger vehicle’s smaller frame provides less protection. Also, passenger vehicles are more vulnerable to being struck in areas where the truck driver may have limited visibility, such as the truck’s blind spots.
Additionally, truck drivers, due to the size and position of their vehicle, are usually seated higher and have more space and safety features, like airbags, that provide added protection. In contrast, those in passenger vehicles might suffer more from the impacts due to their proximity to the point of collision and the lack of safety features that can absorb impact in such scenarios.
Furthermore, in many cases, truck collisions can lead to “under-riding” accidents, where smaller vehicles are crushed beneath the rear of the truck, particularly if there is insufficient underride protection. This makes passenger vehicle occupants much more vulnerable in these types of collisions.