There are a lot of dangers that every driver must face every time they climb behind the wheel of their vehicle. However, there is one big threat that is definitely unavoidable and incredibly dangerous: sharing the roadways with large trucks and semis. To better understand your risks, it is a good idea to become familiar with some of the most disturbing facts about semi truck drivers and accidents. 

Drug and Alcohol Abuse is High Among Drivers

Even though there are many good truck drivers out there who stick to the rules and stay safe, some do try and push themselves beyond the normal limits by consuming drugs or alcohol while behind the wheel. In fact, as much as half of truck drivers questioned in one survey admitted to using alcohol while driving and nearly 30 percent said that they had used amphetamines to stay awake and drive longer. This means that almost one out of every three truck drivers you meet on the highway could potentially be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Numbers of Fatal Semi-Truck Accidents are High

If you want a statistic that is enough to scare any driver to take caution when they travel frequently surrounded by bug trucks, it is the fact that as many as 5,000 fatal crashes happen every year that involve a semi-truck or large vehicle. Most of the time, the driver who sustains the life-ending injuries will be the people who are behind the wheels of regular vehicles. This is why it is vital to educate yourself about the dangers of sharing the highways with these massive vehicles. 

Asleep at the Wheel Causation is a Major Concern

You may be wondering what causes the majority of the accidents involving big trucks so you can be better aware of what to look for. If that is the case, you should know that falling asleep behind the wheel is a major concern among truck drivers. One study actually showed that the number of truck drivers who suffer with sleep apnea is rather alarming, falling in at about one-third of all drivers on the roadway. 

You may have no choice but to share the roads that you travel with vehicles that are massive in comparison to your own, but you can become an educated driver. If you have been injured in an accident involving a semi, talk to a personal injury attorney or go to websites of local firms to see what you can learn.