Commercial truck drivers play a pivotal role in keeping the wheels of our economy turning. However, the sheer size and power of these huge vehicles also come with an increased responsibility for safety.
Despite regulations and training, commercial truck accidents continue to cause thousands of serious injuries every year. Often, these accidents would not have occurred had it not been for the truck driver’s error. One minor mistake or oversight can seriously injure or kill someone.
State and federal regulatory agencies oversee truck drivers and trucking companies to cut down on the number of accidents. Yet, these accidents continue to occur.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial truck accident, it’s crucial to seek the guidance of a skilled truck accident lawyer to navigate the legal complexities and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Here are the top five ways truck drivers cause accidents:
1. Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Fatigue is a silent but formidable adversary for all drivers because they are less alert, have slower reaction times, and cannot control their vehicles. This makes them a danger to themselves and others. But this danger significantly increases with fatigued truckers, who operate massive vehicles that can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds.
Yet, truck drivers are at risk of fatigued driving due to their demanding schedules that often involve long hours on the road, tight delivery deadlines, and the pressure to cover extensive distances.
According to The Large Truck Crash Causation Study, 13 percent of commercial truck drivers were fatigued at the time of their crash.
To mitigate the risk of truck driver fatigue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established Hours of Service (HOS) regulations governing the amount of time a truck driver can spend driving and the mandatory rest periods.
2. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving encompasses many activities that divert a driver’s attention from the road. For truck drivers, distractions can be particularly challenging due to the nature of their job. Distractions may include electronic devices, in-cab activities, external stimuli, and multitasking that diverts attention away from safe driving practices.
Studies dating back nearly 20 years have shown that driver inattention is a leading factor in crashes and near-crashes. A FMCSA study found that 71 percent of large-truck crashes occurred while the truck driver was distracted while driving. This study led to the FMCSA banning texting for all commercial drivers.
3. Speeding and Reckless Driving
The urgency to transport goods within tight timeframes can create a challenging environment where drivers may feel compelled to exceed speed limits, compromising both their safety and the safety of others on the road.
Speeding significantly alters the dynamics of a commercial truck on the road by increasing stopping distances, reducing maneuverability, and putting extra strain on braking systems, leading to potential failures.
The higher impact force in collisions, coupled with an elevated risk of rollovers, poses greater dangers to the truck and other vehicles. Speeding also contributes to tire wear and the likelihood of blowouts, further compromising overall road safety.
According to NHTSA, speeding is the most common driver-related cause of fatal truck accidents, contributing to 7.3 percent of deadly truck accidents last year.
Beyond safety concerns, truckers and their employers face regulatory consequences, including fines and penalties. Regulatory bodies, including FMCSA and NHTSA, have established strict enforcement measures and penalties to deter speeding among truck drivers.
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4. Poor Vehicle Maintenance
FMCSA requires all trucking companies to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all commercial motor vehicles under their control. Regular maintenance is the cornerstone of ensuring the safety and reliability of commercial trucks, helping to prevent mechanical failures, enhance vehicle performance, and safeguard the well-being of truck drivers and other road users.
When large commercial trucks aren’t properly and regularly maintained, it can lead to many issues that compromise the functionality of commercial trucks. From brake failures to tire blowouts, these issues can cause truck drivers to lose control of their vehicles and become involved in a crash.
FMCSA also requires all truck drivers and trucking companies to do pre-trip inspections. These inspections involve a comprehensive assessment of the vehicle and its components to address mechanical issues and ensure cargo safety.
Identifying and rectifying mechanical problems before a trip reduces breakdowns and accidents caused by equipment failures. Additionally, ensuring cargo securement helps prevent issues like load shifting that can lead to accidents during transit.
5. Inadequate Training and Skill Level
Proper training equips truck drivers with the skills, knowledge, and situational awareness necessary to operate these large vehicles, ensuring both their safety and the safety of others.
Inadequate training often leads to common mistakes among truck drivers, posing significant risks to themselves and others on the road. Drivers with poor vehicle operation skills may struggle with controlling the size and weight of commercial trucks, have limited knowledge of transportation regulations, or inadvertently violate hours of service or load securement requirements.
In emergencies, poorly trained drivers may panic or make incorrect decisions, increasing the likelihood of accidents during critical situations like brake failures or adverse weather conditions.
To address the challenges associated with inadequate training, FMCSA requires Entry-Level driver training, Longer Combination vehicle training, Hazardous Materials training, and Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors, among other programs, to prepare drivers for the dynamic challenges of the road.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact a Lawyer to Protect Your Rights.
John S. Berry , Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a truck accident, contact a lawyer to protect your legal rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Truck accident cases involve complex federal regulations governing the trucking industry, multiple parties, and potentially severe injuries. You need an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands the laws applicable to your case and can navigate the legal complexities on your behalf.
When you contact the truck accident lawyers at Berry Law, we will thoroughly investigate the accident, collecting and preserving evidence such as witness statements, accident reports, and any available surveillance footage. We will assess your damages, including current and future medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. And we will go up against the insurance companies to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Berry Law today, and let us fight for your rights.
