subject: 3 Factors That Can Lead To Truck Accidents [print this page] Statistics indicate that a large number of deaths occur each year on Americas roads and highways. While it is true that some of these accidents are a result of pure chance, many others could have easily been avoided with the proper precautions. Trucks accidents can be worse than regular car accidents because of the size of the vehicle and large amount of cargo. Often, accidents involving large trucks claim more lives and cause more damage than a regular car accident.
There are several common causes of truck accidents, but they can be broken down into 3 general categories:
1. Driver Negligence
One of the leading causes of truck accidents is the negligence of the driver. The primary reason this happens is because the driver is usually under some kind of pressure (either self-imposed or coming from their employer) to make their delivery within a certain amount of time and earn more money. This sometimes causes the driver to take unnecessary risks on the road. The most common risk a driver takes is violating the FMCSA's hours of service rule, which basically states that drivers need to take a break to sleep after 11 hours on the road.
In an effort to save time (and money), many drivers will disregard this rule and drive without enough sleep. Often, this occurs at night, when truck drivers prefer to be on the road to avoid heavy traffic. Combined with the more adverse night-time driving conditions, this can become a very dangerous situation. Other examples of driver negligence that can lead to truck accidents are:
-Driving over the speed limit or ignoring "reduce truck speed" signs
-Driving while texting, talking on the cell phone, or watching video
-Driving while intoxicated-the legal limit for commercial drivers is .04%, or half of the limit for non-commercial drivers
-Tailgating other vehicles too closely
2. Bad Weather
Poor weather can occur pretty much any time of the year, although the winter driving conditions in many parts of the country are the worst. Truck drivers taking big loads from one end of the country to another often encounter high winds, heavy rain, and in the winter snow and ice storms. Sometimes, drivers are caught not prepared for conditions like these and are unable to make the vehicle adjustments necessary to prevent an accident.
3. Problems with Equipment and Overloading
Some truck drivers fail to keep their vehicles maintained with the proper equipment. This may cause them to be more susceptible to an accident. One of the most important parts of an 18-wheeler truck is the brakes. Because of the obvious consequences of a brake failure, it is absolutely critical that truck drivers maintain their brakes.
In fact, it is a requirement for newer trucks to be equipped with automatic slack adjusters that will kick in and pick up the slack if the brake pads are worn or the drums start to expand. However, many of the older vehicles on the road still have manual adjusters, which can be problematic and cause brake failure if they are not checked regularly.
Other common truck equipment issues include:
-Poor Tire Pressure
-Broken Lights
-Lack of Blind Spot Mirrors
Overloading is another issue that would fall under the category of equipment and can lead to truck accidents. Some drivers stuff their trucks so full that they are heavier than they should be, and this can cause the driver to lose control on the road when they go through high winds, start to slide on ice, or encounter some other adverse weather condition.
How to Reduce Truck Accidents
Federal, state and local governments are aware that there are far too many fatal truck accidents on our roads each year, and some government entities are starting to take measures to prevent them. There is talk in some states of imposing special speed limits for trucks that go over a certain amount of weight, and there are new safety regulations being added along with increased enforcement of current standards. Other drivers can do their part as well by keeping their distance from the large trucks and being mindful of potentially dangerous situations.
What to do If Involved in a Truck Accident
As much as we try to avoid them, accidents do sometimes occur. If you have been involved in an accident with a large truck, it is important to know that the laws governing truck accidents are more complex than standard automobile accidents. In this case, it is always best to consult a truck accident attorney who specializes in this field and has an in-depth understanding of this unique set of laws.
