Liviu Marcus
Truck accidents can be very catastrophic because of their huge sizes compared to average passenger vehicles. Therefore, it is important to know the common causes of truck crashes, so you can reduce the risk and stay safe while on the road.
Speeding
Speeding is very risky because the oversize vehicle tends to react very slowly to the changing speed and direction due to the momentum that it gathers. This implies that the drivers lose control and the results are accidents. Speed is an irresponsible behaviour, and all speeders should be punished. In the event you have been a victim of an accident caused by a driver who was speeding, contact an established attorney to discuss your legal possibilities.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is composed of driving while texting, talking on the phone, eating, talking to passengers, and adjusting the music control. Even few seconds of drivers’ inattention from the road can cause vehicle crashes and multiple fatalities and thousands of dollars in property damage.
Fatigued Driving
Truck drivers frequently have to cover very long distances to get to their destinations which makes them prone to tiredness during the drive. Fatigue driving leads to accidents and that is why regulations were set up to keep fatigued truck drivers from the road to make them alert while driving.
For example, an operator of a commercial vehicle is not allowed to drive for more than 11 straight hours and is supposed to relax for 10 hours in-between. However, some drivers do not follow these safety practices due to their company culture, business scheduling practices, and personal reasons.
Severe Weather
Adverse weather conditions which include heavy rain, strong wind, fog, and snow limit the visibility of a driver on the road and makes it difficult for them to control their vehicles. Risk of crashes goes up with bad weather.
Overloading Cargo
Big machines that carry heavy loads may experience tire bursts or may capsize when overtaking or turning. In addition, when the load is external there is a possibility that it might fall or fly out of the vehicle and into another drivers’ windshield. Flying freight can be also the reason why other drivers will drift side to avoid the rubbish, making accidents and blocking the road.
Vehicle Malfunction
While many truck crashes are the result of driver error sometimes the truck itself can fail due to lack of proper inspection and maintenance. Faulty parts also have the potential to make the vehicle unresponsive, for example, brake failure, that causes accidents.
Driving Under the Influence
Drunken driving is a crime which can have fatal consequences on everyone enjoying a road in the hands of the drunk driver. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) asserts that the allowed blood alcohol concentration for commercially licensed drivers is 0.04%. In addition, other important aspects that the truck driver should observe include; no alcohol consumption for at least four hours before driving the company commercial vehicles, alcohol is not allowed during working hours.
Other causes of vehicle collisions include poor lighting, obstacles such as road constructions, aggressive driving, and driver error. Many road crashes can be avoided if all drivers follow the traffic rules and drive safely.
