Baltimore Drivers Ranked Among Nation’s Worst for Trucker Aggression

Baltimore motorists have been named some of the least courteous in the country. A new national poll places the city’s drivers 40th worst for unsafe habits around large trucks. The ranking comes from a survey of over 3,000 professional truck drivers.

The poll was conducted by American River Wellness. It highlights aggressive driving as the primary concern in the Baltimore area. This is especially true along the busy I-95 corridor.

Survey Details Reveal Dangerous Driving Patterns

Truckers reported a consistent pattern of dangerous behavior. They cited motorists weaving aggressively across multiple lanes. Last-second cut-ins right before highway exits were also a major problem.

Sudden braking in front of massive rigs was another common complaint. Drivers also reported cars lingering in their large blind spots. These actions create extremely hazardous conditions on crowded highways.

Graham Sargent of American River Wellness commented on the findings. He noted that truckers are trained for unpredictability. However, they cannot overcome the physics of stopping an 80,000-pound vehicle.

Physics and Congestion Create a Perfect Storm

A fully loaded semi-truck requires significantly more distance to stop than a car. Maintaining a safe buffer zone is critical for preventing accidents. When motorists crowd a semi, they endanger everyone on the road.

Baltimore’s ranking is influenced by several local factors. Heavy commuter traffic and constant construction zones play a role. Major freight traffic from the port also contributes to the challenging driving environment.

Nationally, New York City, Los Angeles, and Atlanta topped the list as the most difficult cities. Baltimore was the only Maryland city to appear in the national ranking. The results point to a widespread issue of car-truck interaction.

The recent Baltimore drivers ranking underscores a critical road safety issue. Improving awareness and courtesy around large trucks can save lives. This survey serves as a stark reminder for all motorists to share the road responsibly.

Thought you’d like to know-

What was the most dangerous maneuver cited by truckers?

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 large truck needs.

How does Baltimore compare to other major cities?

Baltimore ranked 40th worst in the nation. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta were ranked as the top three most difficult for truckers. The city’s unique congestion challenges contributed to its placement.

What is the biggest distraction truckers see?

An overwhelming 70% of truckers named texting and phone use as the primary danger. Distracted driving around large vehicles significantly increases the risk of a serious collision.

What can car drivers do to be more courteous?

Truckers appreciate drivers who stay out of their blind spots. They also value motorists who leave extra space in front of the truck. These simple actions greatly enhance safety for everyone.

Why is it so dangerous to cut in front of a semi?

A fully loaded semi can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. It requires much more distance to stop safely than a passenger car. Sudden maneuvers in front of a truck leave no room for error.

Trusted Sources

American River Wellness survey data.