Over two million commercial trucks ply American roads every day. These vehicles are responsible for moving large volumes of goods, which are crucial to the economy.
However, commercial trucks can be hazardous when they are involved in an accident due to their massive size and weight. In 2020 alone, 18-wheeler collisions resulted in more than 146,000 injuries and nearly 5,000 deaths.
In order to reduce the risk of a collision, it is essential to understand some common causes of truck accidents, and here are four of them.
Driver Fatigue
Trucking is both physically and emotionally demanding. Drivers often spend long periods on the road and may be responsible for multiple deliveries in one day. As a result, they may become fatigued.
Fatigue can affect a driver’s reaction time and lead to poor decision-making behind the wheel. Exhausted drivers also struggle to stay awake, increasing the risk of a motor vehicle accident.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is among the top causes of truck accidents. Often, truckers lose focus because they are trying to multitask while driving. They may be using their phone, eating a meal, adjusting the radio, or simply chatting with a passenger in the cab.
Truck drivers are less likely to respond to a sudden hazard or obstacle in time when they take their attention away from the road. This can lead to accidents that can cause severe injuries or even death.
Improperly Secured Cargo and Overloaded Trucks
Federal regulations require commercial truck operators to properly secure their cargo before hitting the road. Additionally, truckers must only load their vehicles to the weight limit specified by the manufacturer.
Unfortunately, some truck drivers violate federal rules by overloading their trucks and improperly securing their cargo. They may not know that such actions can easily lead to crashes.
Improperly secured cargo or overloads can cause trucks to jackknife, roll over, or become unstable during braking or sharp turns. Also, when an overloaded 18-wheeler passes on a bridge that is not meant for its weight, the extra load could cause the structure to collapse, causing a tragic accident.
Driving Under the Influence
Truck drivers take drugs and alcohol for different reasons. Some rely on prescription medications to get through a long day on the road. Others use alcohol or drugs to cope with work stress or boredom.
However, truckers under the influence of drugs or alcohol are dangerous to everyone on the roads. This is because these substances affect their judgment and slow down reaction times.
An intoxicated driver may struggle to stay in their lane, merge onto a highway, or take evasive action when a dangerous situation arises. They may also fall asleep at the wheel. All these behaviors make the driver more likely to cause an accident.
Holding Trucking Companies Accountable
Trucking companies must ensure all drivers are adequately trained and fully licensed before allowing them to operate their vehicles.
“If you are involved in an 18-wheeler collision with a negligent driver, you may be able to recover compensation from their trucking company,” says truck accident attorney Jeffrey Lowenthal. An attorney can help you file your claim and maximize your chances of receiving a fair settlement.
