Why are intersections so dangerous for trucks?

In 2020, 4,998 large trucks and buses were in fatal crashes, of which “collision with a vehicle in transport” is often listed as the cause. In fact, this specific reason is the cause of 73% of fatal crashes and 75% of nonfatal crashes. 

Intersections are a common source of those types of collision crashes. In 2020, there were:

• 793 deaths and 20,000 injuries due to large truck 4-way intersection crashes.
• 349 deaths and 9,000 injuries due to large truck T-intersection crashes.
• 25 deaths due to large truck Y-intersection crashes. 

Why are intersections so dangerous for trucks, and how can fleet owners minimize this type of crash occurring to their drivers? Owners can provide specific and proper training about why intersections are dangerous for trucks.

Driving through an intersection with a commercial truck requires a unique skill set that doesn't come naturally. Using a driving simulator can create a safe opportunity for drivers to learn these skills without fear of injury. 

Why intersections are dangerous for trucks specifically

More than 50% of both fatal and nonfatal injury crashes happen near or at intersections. Why is this? Studies show that a critical pre-crash event for 63% of fatal truck crashes is when something encroaches on a truck’s space. The encroachment can be from another vehicle, object, or animal.

Intersections require careful attention due to vehicles crossing into each other’s paths. Common crashes occurring in intersections are T-bone collisions and underrides. T-bone collisions involve a vehicle crashing into another vehicle’s side or rear. Underrides are when a passenger vehicle crashes into a truck and goes underneath it. 

With a vehicle as large as a commercial truck, intersections are dangerous because there isn’t much space for both trucks and passenger cars. 

Common causes of intersection accidents with trucks

There are many reasons why intersections are dangerous and can cause accidents.

Cars too close to one another

As mentioned, there’s not much space within an intersection, and trucks must have as much space as needed to turn. A side collision or rear-end accident can occur if another vehicle tailgates or doesn’t brake fast enough. 

Distracted driving

Distracted driving is always a danger on the road. When a driver is distracted, they can miss a truck's turn signal or start to move while the truck is in mid-turn. 

Mechanical failure 

If the truck and trailer wheels don’t work together, it can cause an accident. The truck can go one way while the trailer goes another, causing crashes. Other accidents can occur if something goes wrong with the engine or brakes. 

Poor decision making

Poor decisions can range from not allowing enough space to proceed, not using turn signals, or speeding. All of these decisions can lead to collisions. 

Running lights

Another poor decision is to run through red lights, whether blatantly red or yellow. Cars continuing through an intersection when the light isn’t green can cause accidents. Obeying traffic signals is especially crucial for truck drivers who need longer breaking time due to size and weight. 

Turning left

For truck drivers, turning left should be avoided. When a truck driver turns left, they must cross multiple lanes to make the turn. This maneuver leaves plenty of opportunity for different vehicles to crash into the truck and trailer. 

Weather conditions

Poor weather can cause accidents anywhere but can be particularly fatal in intersections. Slick, icy roads or poor visibility due to fog can cause problems for all vehicles within the intersection. 

How to avoid accidents

To avoid intersection accidents, fleet owners must ensure that all drivers have proper training. Owners also need to ensure that there’s a safe space to train. A driving simulator provides both.

A simulator like TranSim™ can provide your drivers the training they need in a controlled environment. Drivers can experience different intersection scenarios to learn the correct decision for each situation. A simulator allows drivers to practice driving through intersections and make mistakes worrying about injury.

The simulator allows continuous practice until the student gets it right. 

TranSim™ also provides realistic feedback with force-loaded steering that mimics the feel of an actual commercial vehicle. With the simulator, drivers can experience the feeling of hitting a curb or a tire blowing out. 

The TranSim™ simulator allows you to create custom scenarios by changing various factors:

• Lighting conditions
• Road conditions
• Weather conditions
• The number of cars on the road
• The number of pedestrians
• The type of environment

Driver Training Solutions simulator training for truck drivers

Ensure truck drivers' safety with a truck driving simulator like TranSim™. You can’t control external factors that cause accidents, but you can manage your drivers’ reactions. Whether it’s distracted drivers or weather conditions, a truck driving simulator can help new and experienced drivers prepare for driving through an intersection. 

The TranSim™ scenario builder and instructor operation system allows you to devise custom scenarios and difficulties to create courses based on individual drivers’ needs.