What is an 18-Wheeler Truck?

According to Webster’s Dictionary: an 18 wheeler is a trucking rig consisting of a tractor and a trailer and typically having eighteen wheels. The weight of an 18 wheeler is about 35,000 pounds and no more than 80,000 pounds when loaded fully with cargo. Due to the size, an accident involving a 18-wheeler can end in massive damage. The size makes these types of semi trucks difficult to stop and this can cause some of the most dangerous accidents on the road.

What is the turn radius of an 18-Wheeler Truck?

18 Wheeler semi trucks have large mirrors to help with blind spots and turn radius. These large trucks require up to 45% more time to stop compared to regular vehicles. The average turning radius of a semi-truck is 55ft with a road with of 24ft.

How long does it take an 18-Wheeler Truck to stop?

Many people don’t understand, an 18 wheeler traveling at 60 MPH takes about 589 feet to come to a full stop. That is the length of two football fields so the driver needs to be prepared when they need to slow down or stop. If the weather is poor, it can take a semi truck much longer to stop. This type of truck accident is very different from a Tractor Trailer crash which operates at a much slower speed.