This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Quiz: Do you know how to drive safely around large trucks?
File: A semi-truck maneuvers around a traffic cone during training at the Western Trucking School Aug. 3, 2005 in Turlock, California.
(
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
)
Every day, tens of thousands of trucks drive more than 8 million miles on the roads of Southern California, carrying the goods we buy and use in our daily life. But at up to 20 times the weight of the average sedan, when they crash, they can cause massive damage.
Since the economy has rebounded, truck traffic has increased — and so have truck crashes. But it’s frequently the actions of the car driver, not the truck, that cause the most serious collisions.
Still have questions? "Ask A Trucker" — just submit your query below. We'll put them to our experts.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
