Truck accidents are a serious issue, often resulting in severe injuries, long recovery times, or even fatalities due to the size and weight of commercial trucks.
Drunk driving is a leading cause of truck accidents, but other factors like speeding, driver fatigue, and improper maintenance also contribute significantly. Truck drivers and other road users must remain vigilant to reduce risks and ensure public safety.
A truck accident lawyer can help you through all legal obstacles when dealing with a truck accident case. They can also help you get fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
The sections below talk about the different reasons why truck accidents may happen.
Drunk Under the Influence or Driving While Intoxicated (DUI/DWI)
Drunk driving is one of the most preventable causes of truck accidents. Commercial truck drivers have a much lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.04% compared to the 0.08% limit for regular drivers. Even small quantities of alcohol will interfere with a truck driver’s judgment, reaction times, and capability to drive safely.
Drunk truck drivers have slower reflexes or often engage in aggressive driving tactics, which can prove extremely hazardous on busy highways.
Driver Fatigue
Fatigue among truck drivers, from long hours and tight delivery schedules, impairs their focus, reaction times, and decision-making. Research indicates that driving while drowsy is just as dangerous as driving drunk because it results in slower reflexes and lapses in attention. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), fatigue is cited as a cause in 13% of truck crashes.
Despite the FMCSA’s hours of service (HOS) regulations aimed at preventing driver fatigue, violations persist, making this an ongoing safety issue.
Distracted Driving
Just like all other road users, truck drivers may be susceptible to distractions from using their cell phones, eating, or adjusting GPS devices while driving. All these distractions pull attention away from the road, reducing tremendously the ability to respond quickly in emergencies. Due to the size and weight of trucks, even a moment of distraction will create fatal outcomes.
Poor Maintenance of the Vehicle
Poor maintenance of trucks is another contributor to the high number of road accidents. Commercial trucks need periodic inspections to avoid issues such as brake failure, tire blowouts, and engine failure that may lead to loss of control.
Sadly, some drivers and companies don’t ensure proper maintenance in order to save on costs, raising the chances of accidents happening.
Many truck accidents can be traced back to mechanical failure, which consistently calls for routine inspections and maintenance.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Because of their size and weight, trucks require more time and distance to stop, especially at high speeds. This reduces a driver’s ability to react to emergencies and heightens the risk of serious crashes.
Studies by the FMCSA show that speeding trucks are more likely to cause serious accidents. Other reckless behaviors that contribute to truck-related crashes each year include tailgating, aggressive lane changes, and failure to yield.
