Truck accidents are an all-too-common cause of death and injury on the roads today, with approximately 5,000 fatalities and 147,000 injuries each year.
While most accidents are caused by human error, such as driving while intoxicated or texting while driving, many other factors contribute to truck accidents beyond the driver’s control.
These five causes are the most common contributing factors to truck accidents, and awareness of them can help you stay safe on the road if you ever encounter one of these trucks in traffic.
Driver Fatigue
One of the most common causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. When a driver is tired, they are more likely to make mistakes. They may fall asleep at the wheel, or they may not be able to react quickly enough if something unexpected happens.
Driver fatigue can also cause a driver to have slower reflexes and poorer judgment. When driving a truck, it is important to ensure that you are well rested before getting behind the wheel. You should try to get plenty of sleep before starting your workday. Take breaks when necessary, so you don’t become too fatigued while driving.
Speeding
One of the most common causes of truck accidents is speeding. When a truck is speeding, it takes longer to stop, and the driver has less control over the vehicle. This can lead to serious accidents, especially if the truck carries a heavy load. In addition, speeding makes it more difficult for other drivers to see and avoid the truck.
It’s critical for both drivers and law enforcement officials to recognize speeding trucks as a threat on highways and other roadways, particularly when these vehicles are going more than 10 miles over the speed limit. If you suspect you will get into an accident with a speeding truck, it’s best not to try risky moves but instead stop your vehicle as safely as possible.
Improper Turn
Improper turns are a common cause of trucking accidents in the United States. This can happen when a truck driver tries to make a turn that is too tight or misjudges the amount of space they need to make the turn.
This can often lead to the truck tipping over or colliding with other vehicles or objects. To avoid this, it is important for truck drivers to take their time when making turns and to be aware of their surroundings.
Distracted Driving
When truck drivers are not paying attention to the road, they are more likely to make mistakes that can lead to accidents. Distracted driving can be caused by anything from using a cell phone to talking to passengers.
When driving a truck, it is important to always be aware of your surroundings and stay focused on the task at hand. Stay off of your phone while driving or pull over when you need to use it. Give other drivers plenty of space, so they do not feel rushed, which will help them stay focused on their tasks.
Failure to Yield
Truck accidents can happen for various reasons, but failure to yield is one of the most common. When a truck driver fails to yield, it means they didn’t see or didn’t yield to another vehicle with the right-of-way.
This can cause a serious collision, especially if the other vehicle is smaller. Failure to yield can also result in a rear-end collision if the truck driver doesn’t leave enough space between their vehicle and the one in front of them.
There are also many situations where an accident may not be the fault of either party, like when a car stops suddenly, and the truck doesn’t have time to react. It is imperative for truck drivers and other motorists alike to pay attention to all the potential issues illustrated above, so that catastrophes can be averted, and everyone can reach their destination safely. In the unfortunate case of an accident occurring, make sure you contact an attorney as soon as possible to put you in the best possible position to recover your losses.
