Truck accidents are a big problem across the nation and cause serious injuries because of the size and weight of commercial trucks.
It is important to know the reasons for truck accidents so that you can be saved from them if you’re a driver, truck operator, or fleet manager.
If you are looking for legal advice, you can see legal firms like Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, who are experts in solving such kinds of cases of accidents and helping the victims get justice and compensation.
It is a good idea to know the factors that cause these accidents and learn how they can be decreased so that there are no accidents and the roads can be safe.
Driver Fatigue
One of the most common causes of truck accidents is because the driver gets tired. If they are on the road for long hours and have a busy delivery timetable, it puts pressure on the truck driver to drive even when they should rest.
To reduce accidents that happen because of this reason, the federal government law limits the hours for which the truck can be on the road. These laws are broken when companies or drivers ignore them so that they can deliver on time.
There can be many effects if the driver gets tired, like difficulty paying attention, taking more time to react, and moving slowly on the lanes. This shows that the driver is very tired and can not continue to drive.
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How to Avoid Driver Fatigue Accidents?
Truck drivers should stick to the rest time which is given by the law and take rest. Fleet managers should pay more attention to safety and not speed.
It is important to adjust delivery timings so that there is no or less chance of a driver getting tired.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Another serious reason for truck accidents is the bad care of vehicles. Commercial trucks have constant wear and tear conditions, so it is better to check on them regularly and fix any issues.
Trucks face many problems like brake failure, tire blowouts, and engine malfunctions, and they are found when accidents are investigated.
The law needs to do regular checking, but some companies cut corners so that money can be saved, which puts lives in danger and accidents happen.
How to Avoid Maintenance-Related Accidents?
Trucking companies should make sure that all vehicles go for regular safety checks so that if there is any problem, it can be fixed and the trucks always stay in the best condition.
If the drivers face any issue, they should report it as soon as possible so that they can be repaired at the right time to avoid accidents.
Improper Loading
Improperly loaded cargo is also a big reason why truck accidents happen. If the weight of the goods is distributed in an uneven manner or there is too much weight, the truck will not be stable.
This causes the truck to tip over or become difficult to control, and it is very dangerous when the truck has to take sharp turns or apply sudden brakes.
If the cargo is not tied down properly, it can fall on the roadway and cause accidents with the vehicles that are coming behind the truck.
Distracted Driving
If you do not pay attention on the road while driving, there can be serious accidents. It is more dangerous for truck drivers because trucks are very big and heavy in size.
If there is a distraction, even for a moment, it can cause awful accidents. Distraction can be of many types, like cell phones and in-cab technologies, which are made to help the drivers.
Texting, adjusting the radio, and using GPS are all distractions that can cause the driver to take away his attention from the road.
The technologies are made to help drivers, but if they are not used in a proper way, they can cause distractions, which can be harmful.
How to Minimize Distracted Driving
Fleet managers should provide trucks with hands-free devices to the driver so that there is less or no distraction.
Drivers should be given training on how they can avoid distractions and focus on the road. It is more important in areas of high risk and sharp turns.
Ensure Safe Practices on the Road
Making roadways safer needs effort from all, including trucking companies, drivers, and other motorists. You need to understand and talk about these causes of truck accidents so that there are no disasters in the future.
