Why Are Truck Accidents Increasing Recently?
You cannot miss seeing commercial trucks on the highways carrying goods and supplies across vast distances. Trucks help grow the economy of a region. However, with their tremendous size and weight, trucks can pose a great risk on the roads. Truck accidents have increased, leaving a trail of losses and injuries.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Table of Contents
Driver’s Fatigue
Truck drivers work for many hours, which causes fatigue and can impair cognitive abilities, leading to poor judgment and decision-making. A driver can do risky maneuvers, or fail to assess traffic situations, increasing the chances of an accident. In addition, severe fatigue can cause microsleep episodes, which can appear even when the driver tries to stay awake. Tired drivers also lose focus on the road and engage in activities that divert their attention from the road. To reduce these risks, truck owners should adhere to the regulations and standards in the industry.
Aggressive Driving
Some truck drivers work under harsh working conditions and travel long distances, which can lead to aggressiveness on the road. One sign of aggressive driving is speeding, which is the leading cause of truck accidents. Tailgating is also a sign of hostility, which can lead to an accident. When a truck driver tailgates another vehicle without leaving enough space to stop safely, that can lead to rear-end collisions. If a reckless truck driver injures you, you should seek the help of experienced personal injury attorneys.
Poor Weather Conditions
The ever-changing weather conditions can cause truck accidents in various ways. Fog, rain, snow, and other poor weather conditions reduce visibility, making it difficult for truck drivers to see other cars and pedestrians. When there’s rain and ice, the road becomes slippery, reducing the truck’s traction and increasing the chances of an accident. Some truck drivers are also affected by wind gusts that can push trucks or even cause them to roll. In addition, driving in poor weather conditions can be boring and tiring for drivers, which can lead to sleepiness.
Distracted Driving
In this era, you can find any information on the internet. Most people spend many hours browsing, and truck drivers are no exception. When the driver’s mind is distracted, they’ll cause rear-end, sideswipe, and head-on collisions. Other things that distract drivers are eating and drinking while driving, adjusting the radio or GPS, looking at passengers, and daydreaming. Truck drivers should put their phones away, avoid talking to passengers, stay focused on the road, eat, drink, and make calls when not driving.
Intoxicated Driving
According to the National Institute of Health, driving under the influence of substances and drugs is among the leading causes of truck accidents. An intoxicated driver cannot brake or swerve in time to avoid an accident. Drunkenness also causes impaired judgment, such as passing other vehicles in dangerous spots or speeding. Alcohol can distort a driver’s vision, making it difficult to see other cars and road signs. Most drunk drivers drive aggressively, leading to road rage and accidents.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
Nowadays, people focus so much on making money at the expense of their safety. That’s why there are increased chances of trucks overloading and loading cargo improperly. Failure to load cargo properly in a truck can cause spillover, creating hazards for other drivers. Also, cargo shifts during transportation can obstruct the driver’s view or make the truck lose control, leading to an accident. A load that’s not secured properly can shift during transport, making the truck lose balance, especially if it’s at high speed.
Truck drivers should avoid reckless driving to prevent accidents. Trucks are big and carry heavy loads; thus, they can cause a huge loss. If you’re injured in a truck accident, you can seek compensation for medical care, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering. Look for an experienced truck accident lawyer for fair compensation.