Semi-trucks are often the most massive vehicles on the road, making them very hard to ignore. When something so large moves more than 60 miles per hour, how is it that they are still involved in thousands of accidents each year? The causes of truck accidents are more common than you may think.
Truck drivers account for the cause behind 87% or 68,000 accidents each year. Calling attention to the origins of truck accidents can help reduce these accidents and make the roads safer for everyone. These are only some of the factors that can lead to a truck accident.
Inadequate training
If a truck driver does not receive the proper education on how to drive a semi-truck, it can lead to significant collisions. Accidents related to detached trailers or engine malfunctions can leave others on the road with catastrophic injuries.
Fatigue
Trucking companies have limitations on how long a driver can spend on the road each day, but that does not always mean the driver will obey the regulations. If a driver wants to beat deadlines for more extended rest periods, they may drive longer than their employer allows. Anyone can feel tired after driving for eight hours a day, but when a truck drives for 12 or 16 hours, they can risk others.
Drugs and alcohol
Caffeine pills commonly connected to truck drivers. When drivers are up for longer than 24 hours, they endanger those around them on the road. Truckers are also vulnerable to alcohol and other narcotics. The difference is that if truckers drive under the influence, their 18-wheeler can cause considerably more damage than a car.
Improper maintenance
Faulty brakes, worn-out windshield wipers, and burnt-out signal lights are minor defects that can cause significant accidents. When truckers fail to keep their truck in proper condition, it creates many opportunities for accidents to happen. A few minutes of repairs can avoid a lifetime of consequences.
Negligence can be fatal
When a trucker overlooks the consequences of their actions, it can lead to them endangering the lives of those around them on the road. When a driver is responsible for a vehicle weighing several tons that moves at speeds more than a mile a minute, it is up to the driver to ensure they are doing everything to stay safe.