When a semitruck is in a collision, sometimes it can cause a jackknife, which is when the cab and trailer fold in toward one another. The two parts of the up to 80,000-pound vehicle form a 90-degree angle, which is not only dangerous, but also looks unnatural and scary. In very bad accidents, the angle is even smaller, which can cause the cab and trailer to collapse into themselves.

Jackknife accidents are dangerous for semitruck drivers and regular vehicle drivers alike. Commercial truck drivers are in danger during a jackknife because the trailer hitting the cab can be deadly. Drivers of the surrounding regular vehicles are also in danger if they are in the path of the trailer, cab, or truck as a whole while folding. Even though the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that less than five percent of fatal accidents involve jackknifed tractor trailers, they are still serious scenarios to be aware of.

Truck accidents often cause a lot of damage, especially when the truck is an 18-wheeler and crashes while traveling at high speeds. In these situations, they can easily harm others on the road with them. However, the accident can increase significantly in danger if the truck is carrying hazardous materials—substances that can harm people and the environment around them. These injuries can be life-altering or even fatal.

The commercial transportation industry is one of the largest in the United States. Countless goods and services are transported across the country on a daily basis. While most tractor-trailers reach their destination and drop off their haul, a number end up in accidents that cause property damage and injuries. Some collisions claim lives.

Driving through heavy traffic on the highway can be stressful. When you add vehicles of different sizes, it’s even more important to remain aware and drive cautiously. It’s crucial to be aware of how to drive when large trucks are present. It’s likely, at some point during your drive, you will decide it’s time to pass a truck. When that time comes, knowing how to safely pass can be the difference between carrying on with your day or coping with a serious accident.