Baltimore Drivers Ranked Among Nation’s Worst for Trucker Safety

Baltimore motorists have been ranked among the least courteous in the United States. A new national poll places the city’s drivers as the 40th worst for aggressive habits around large trucks. The survey gathered opinions from over 3,000 professional truck drivers.

According to the poll by American River Wellness, truckers cited specific dangerous behaviors common in the Baltimore area. The results highlight a significant safety concern on busy routes like the I-95 corridor.

Aggressive Maneuvers Create High-Risk Environment

Truckers reported a pattern of unsafe driving by local motorists. Common complaints included weaving across lanes and last-second cut-ins before exits. Sudden braking and lingering in blind spots were also major issues.

These actions are particularly dangerous around semi-trucks. A fully loaded rig can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. It requires much more distance to stop than a passenger car.

“Truckers are trained to expect the unexpected,” said Graham Sargent of American River Wellness. “But they can’t bend the laws of physics.” Crowding a semi-truck puts everyone on the road at risk, he explained.

National Context and Contributing Factors

While Baltimore ranked 40th, cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta topped the list. The ranking reflects a combination of local challenges. Heavy commuter traffic and constant construction play a role.

Major freight traffic from the Port of Baltimore also contributes to the difficult driving environment. This creates a perfect storm of congestion and pressure on the city’s highways. The poll identified distracted driving, especially phone use, as the single biggest danger cited by 70% of truckers.

The new ranking underscores the critical need for shared road safety. Understanding the limitations of large trucks is essential for preventing accidents. This Baltimore drivers ranking serves as a stark reminder for all motorists.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: What was the most common dangerous maneuver reported?

Last-second cut-ins in front of trucks were the top complaint. This action was cited by 36% of the truckers surveyed. It drastically reduces the stopping space a massive rig needs.

Q2: Which cities were ranked worse than Baltimore?

New York City, Los Angeles, and Atlanta were named the three most difficult cities for truckers. The survey ranked dozens of metropolitan areas across the country based on driver feedback.

Q3: What do truckers appreciate that car drivers do?

Simple courtesies make a big difference. Truckers praised drivers who stay out of their blind spots. They also appreciate when cars leave extra space in front of the truck.

Q4: How many truckers were polled for this survey?

The survey gathered responses from 3,015 professional truck drivers. This provides a substantial national sample size for the rankings and data.

Q5: Why is sudden braking so dangerous near semi-trucks?

A semi-truck cannot stop quickly. It needs a much longer distance to come to a complete halt compared to a car. Sudden braking can lead to catastrophic rear-end collisions.

Trusted Sources

American River Wellness