Road accidents in the US have been on the rise in recent years. Truck accidents, in particular, account for about six to seven percent of total collisions. Truck drivers require special training and licenses to operate commercial vehicles. This is because these vehicles are larger and weigh more than ordinary cars. Therefore, accidents involving trucks could have vastly severe repercussions. In this article, we shall look at some of the most common factors that contribute to causing truck accidents.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Like other road accidents, truck accidents largely occur due to negligence, whether on the part of the organization, the manufacturer, or the individual driver or operator. If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident, get in touch with an experienced lawyer like attorney Felix Gonzalez to fight for your rights and due compensation. Here are some examples of dangerous practices that cause trucks to crash.
Distracted Driving
Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has shown that nearly 71 percent of truck accidents result from distracted driving.
Like other motorists, truck drivers may be tempted to engage in activities that take their eyes off the road. Common distractors include phones, loud music, food, GPS devices, and radios. If drivers take their attention away from the road for a few seconds, they may overlook potential hazards.
Therefore, truck drivers should make adjustments before heading out. This includes adjusting your navigation system, music, seats, and mirrors. Also, you have settled any issues that require your attention to avoid distractions from phone calls. If you need to eat or answer a call, pull over.
Traffic Violations
Road rules ensure smooth traffic flow and protect all road users. Disregarding any of these rules is the quickest way to cause an accident. Commercial trucks are bigger, and crashes involving them could have devastating effects. As a truck driver, avoid reckless driving habits such as tailgating, weaving, and ignoring traffic lights and speed limits. Also, ensure you meet the federal weight requirements for cargo. Violating traffic rules could lead to accidents, license suspensions, fines, or jail time in extreme situations.
Fatigue
Truck drivers often work for long hours, which could result in fatigue. Drivers are expected to rest for at least 11 hours or a split rest of 12 hours.
Unfortunately, some drivers choose to neglect this requirement and drive while tired. Drowsiness and fatigue in drivers could lead to slower reaction times and accidents. Truck drivers should take frequent breaks, exercise, and eat light meals to prevent fatigue.
Driving in Bad Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions such as rain, sleet, and snow could affect a driver’s driving ability. They lessen the grip between the road surface and the vehicle’s wheel, and drivers could quickly lose control. Additionally, they may also affect the driver’s visibility. Truck drivers should be extra cautious while driving in extreme weather. Before driving, check the weather forecast and plan ahead.
Intoxicated Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is illegal and dangerous to other road users. Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment, leading to slow reaction time. Moreover, it may also interfere with vision and muscle coordination. Other reasons truck accidents happen are inexperienced drivers, poorly maintained trucks, and failure to yield correctly.
Conclusion
Truck drivers face the same challenges as other drivers, but due to their work’s monotonous and demanding nature, they could easily suffer from fatigue. In addition, they may also endanger themselves and others by drunk driving, violating traffic rules, and distracted driving. Therefore, truck drivers, like other road motorists, are responsible for following road rules and taking all possible measures to ensure that they are not endangering themselves or others. If you sustain injuries in a truck accident, get legal help from a lawyer. They will help you receive compensation for economic and non-economic losses resulting from the accident.
