Disproportion of vehicle size

Size disproportion is a prominent traffic safety topic.  A recent discussion here about the interaction of large semi trucks with smaller vehicular traffic struck some nerves.

Some automobile drivers relayed stories of trucker intimidation, while some truckers recounted tales of automobile drivers’ lack of consideration and courtesy.  Evidently, many in cars resent being held up by trucks and many in trucks detest being cut off.

One reader even suggested that steps should be taken to remove semi trucks from the roadways, since any vehicle involved in an accident with one would be the “loser.”  In the long term, reducing semi truck population may have merit, but such efforts would be met mightily by truckers and lobbyists from that industry.

And why pick on them?  When a large SUV collides with a compact, the compact is generally the loser.  If any car has a collision with a motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian, the loser is likely to be the entity with the least mass.  By the logic that would remove semis, the “dangerous” vehicles would then become large SUVs; if we banned those, then automobiles would still be the “enemy” of two-wheeled vehicles and pedestrians.

If we kept eliminating the bigger “threat,” we would all end up on bicycles or afoot!

Actually, the mayhem caused when trucks are involved in collisions with smaller vehicles is a serious matter and seeking solutions is important.  The smaller vehicles in such accidents are indeed typically the losers.  Also, those accident statistics show that the smaller vehicle is at fault in a preponderance of cases.  While mandating fewer trucks may not be feasible, having fewer accidents with trucks might be.

Armed with that data, the Washington State Patrol Commercial Division is undergoing an emphasis program that targets erratic behavior by automobile drivers in the vicinity of trucks.  It has been determined that time issues, along with other preconceptions, cause drivers to speed, follow closely and take other chances when maneuvering near semi trucks.

I have witnessed some of that erratic behavior by auto drivers during my own driving and when riding with WSP Troopers.  The main difference is that in the latter case, those drivers are stopped and either reminded or cited for their errant ways of operation.  Hopefully, those drivers will learn from their mistakes before accidents occur.

In the minority of accidents where truckers are at fault, reasons often relate to safety violations including driver fatigue.  As a result, the WSP emphasis also steps up truck inspection and logs documenting driver rest-to-drive ratios.

This two-pronged effort of education and enforcement is aimed at changing driver attitude and behavior.  It has a good chance of success, since similar campaigns have propelled Washington to the number one position in seat-belt compliance (97.5%) and drastically influenced awareness of the drinking/driving problem (MADD).

As a group, I find truckers to be among the most predictable and courteous drivers encountered.  But their sheer mass causes their handling characteristics to differ from automobiles and light trucks, namely in the areas of accelerating, turning and stopping.  Good drivers have empathy for this reality, and set aside occasional inconvenience in the form of a slowdown as a function of getting along with others.

The same accommodation principal applies to bicycle/automobile interaction.  The disparity of speed alone is bound to cause some conflict, but give-and-take on both sides can reduce the consternation.  Unfortunately, as it is for trucks, too many automobile drivers resent having to share the roads with bicycles (or motorcycles).  And too many bicyclists (or motorcyclists) have negative misconceptions about car and light truck drivers.  This scenario is amplified, sadly, as cases of drivers striking bicycles with their vehicles on purpose are regularly documented.

A long-expressed motto, or plea, by motorcyclists is simply, “Share the Road.”  That’s a concise and worthy sentiment.  An attitude of tolerance is an admirable trait for truckers, auto drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians to employ.  Just because others are not like you or exist in lesser numbers, they still have a right to use the roads to the best of their abilities.  Recognizing and accommodating those abilities is virtuous!

Readers may contact Bill Love via e-mail at precisiondriving@spokesman.com.