Trucks are a major mode of transportation of goods in the United States. With over 11.18 billion tons of freight transported, trucks connect various industries and transport essential goods such as construction materials and groceries. They are also a major employment system, from drivers to mechanics to logistics. They fuel local economies by connecting and supporting industries that rely on freight transportation.

Though it plays a significant role in the United States economy, it is also among the leading causes of road accidents.

Many factors contribute to truck accidents, and it is important that victims contact experienced legal professionals, such as the truck accident attorneys at Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, LLP.

Causes and Prevention of Truck Accidents

Let’s take a look at some major reasons why truck accidents occur.

Distracted Driving

Driving for 10+ hours each day can be tedious. Often, when going interstate, you are bound to find long, empty roads that tend to make drivers zone out or use that time to multitask. Such situations can be dangerous, as the driver’s hands and mind are off the wheel.

The driver must stay alert, focus on driving when on the road, and quickly halt if they need to do things that require their attention, like taking a call or setting the GPS.

Fatigue

A significant number of truck accidents occur because of driver fatigue. Though the FMCSA regulations require drivers to rest after 10 hours of driving, some drivers push themselves or are pushed to get in a few more hours of driving to meet the demands. This often leads to the driver dozing off at the wheel.

The driver and the company are responsible for ensuring that the driver gets proper rest between two shifts and that a shift is only up to 10 hours. This is to ensure the safety of the driver and other road users.

Cargo Overload

Different trucks have different load capacities. Cargo should be placed in a way to distribute weight evenly. Exceeding the cargo limit increases the weight, causing it to have an uneven weight distribution, which makes steering and timely braking of the vehicle difficult, consequently increasing the chance of an accident.

It is the duty of the company to load a truck according to its ideal weight limit to avoid any accidents.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

The FMCSA has established regular maintenance regulations for all commercial motor vehicles. The vehicle must be thoroughly inspected, and all maintenance operations must be conducted and recorded.

It is the duty of trucking companies to ensure that all their trucks are regularly checked and maintained and not to cut corners at the cost of their employee’s and other road users’ safety.

Untrained Drivers

As trucks are an integral part of the United States, there is a constant demand for more drivers.

Every year, new individuals join the profession. As the demand is high, these newcomers are often sent off on the roads without proper training on how to manage and maintain large and heavy vehicles on open and unknown roads.

All new drivers must go through proper commercial vehicle training and get a commercial driving license before being put behind the wheel. All drivers must also take routine revisional courses.

Bad Road Conditions

Road hazards and blocked ways increase the chances of an accident. Road construction can decrease the available lanes, make the roads narrow, and make it a bit difficult to drive on.

In the case of potholes and other roadblocks, some drivers try to maneuver around them, which often ends up causing an accident.

Roads must be routinely maintained to ensure the safe passage of trucks and other road users. If there are roads with several potholes, the government must take timely measures to fill them up.

Bad Weather Conditions

Unclear or slippery weather can make driving difficult. Trucks are more prone to accidents like skidding, especially when driving in wet/snowy conditions, due to their weight and braking time.

Drivers must take preventative measures if they plan to drive in such bad weather and halt if the situation worsens or if they don’t have much experience in such conditions.

Speeding or Reckless Driving

As the vehicle’s weight is high and it requires a longer time to come to a halt, it is necessary that the driver follow the speed limit. Failure to do so puts the lives of the driver and other road users at risk.

Contacting a Truck Accident Attorney

If you or someone you know is a victim of a truck accident, it is important that you contact a truck accident attorney. They will ensure that you get fair compensation for your losses and will professionally handle any legal proceedings that may be required.