In the past, vehicle manufacturers prioritized safety features in passenger cars rather than in trucks. Ultimately, this was a more economical approach. Truck drivers would have to wait for these systems to become available – or popular enough – to install in pickups, semis and other large vehicles.
Today, though, competition has motivated truck manufacturers to use the latest safety features – and even to customize some gadgets specifically for trucks. In addition to acquiring commercial contracts and attracting tech-savvy consumers, these features significantly reduce the chances of a driver or passenger sustaining injuries.
According to Census.gov, there are more than 1.3 million light-truck accidents in the United States each year. These crashes kill more than 10,000 people – and many more suffer severe injuries.
If you were in a car crash or semi-truck accident that was not your fault, contact the Truman Law Firm P.C. A Las Vegas personal-injury lawyer will examine the circumstances of your collision to determine if you have valid grounds for a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Call us today at 702-821-1821 to schedule an appointment.
In the meantime, read on to learn about four important truck safety features that could save your life:
- Airbags and Side Impact Protection
Airbags serve as critical safety equipment in passenger cars, but manufacturers are now fitting more trucks with them, as well. An increasing number of trucks now have side curtain airbags mounted to the roofline. These are particularly important in the event of a rollover. The airbags will drop down and protect your head from injury.
If you drive off the road, then make sure you purchase a vehicle that allows you to deactivate these airbags. This will stop them from activating during complex off-road exercises.
- Trailer Control
Trucks are particularly susceptible to trailer sway, which can cause you to lose control of the vehicle. This is particularly important if you are travelling at high speeds.
Many manufacturers now fit their trucks with trailer sway control. This will activate if the trailer starts to sway enough to affect the movement of the vehicle.
- Stability Control
This feature will help you maintain control of your truck during difficult or dangerous conditions. The system will adjust the brakes and throttle as necessary.
- Seatbelts
Seatbelts are the most fundamental pieces of safety equipment in any vehicle, and all new trucks come standard with seatbelts. This, however, does not mean that all belts are necessarily the same. Keep an eye out for seatbelts that have pre-tensioners to remove slack.
If you were in a truck accident, then you probably sustained debilitating injuries. These are often expensive to treat, and you may not have been able to return to work.
At the Truman Law Firm, P.C., we may be able to help you recover these accident-related losses. We can evaluate your case, structure your claim, handle settlement negotiations and litigate your case if it goes to court. Call us today at 702-821-1821 to schedule a consultation with a Las Vegas accident attorney.
