The Truck Accident Attorney Network suggests there are nearly 500,000 truck accidents every year in the United States. Because there have been so many devastating truck accidents resulting in serious injuries, federal agencies strive to determine the most common causes of truck accidents.
The common issues discovered by truck accident statistics are:
- Driver Fatigue among commercial truck drivers. Some laws require drivers to rest after ten hours of driving because fatigue in truck drivers is shown to have similar impacts as drunk driving. Some truck drivers drive longer than it is healthy, and they may be driving in shifts up to 16 hours long. This is extremely dangerous and could potentially lead to fatal truck accidents.
- Driving mistakes and violations contribute significantly to the frequency of truck accidents. These can range from speeding, tailgating, and improper lane changes to disregarding traffic signals, distracted driving, or driving under the influence. Such actions violate the law and put the truck driver, passengers, and other road users at significant risk of accidents and injuries.
- Distracted driving is another prominent issue, and it is incredibly influential when driving a large truck because trucks require more reaction time due to their size. Truck drivers aren't always focused, and it's easy to see why when we have so many distractions around us, including talking on the phone, texting, eating, and changing radio settings. It only takes an average of 5 seconds to read a text, but it is a dangerous habit that may cause a trucking accident. Consider this: in just 5 seconds, you can travel an entire football field at 55 mph.
- Maintenance issues are another thing to look out for. Trucking companies are required to maintain their vehicles regularly. Failing to do so may cause mechanical issues and a huge truck accident.
- Defective trucks and parts significantly increase the risk of truck accidents due to potential manufacturing flaws or substandard materials. Regular inspections, quality parts, and strict adherence to safety standards are essential to prevent catastrophic incidents and ensure road safety.
- Overloading cargo is another issue that can occur with commercial trucks. When the load is too great on a semi-truck, it becomes more challenging to operate, and the truck driver can lose control more easily.
- Speeding is another common cause of trucking accidents, as is reckless driving. When truck drivers don't abide by the posted speed limits, semi-truck accidents are bound to happen.
- Detrimental weather is a major cause of truck accidents. Snow, ice, rain, fog, and wind can lead to slippery roads, poor visibility, and challenging steering conditions.
- Poor road conditions can cause truck accidents. Poorly maintained roads may have dangerous potholes or other damage that are especially troublesome for big commercial trucks, further deteriorating the road conditions. When a semi-truck driver drives over the damaged pavement, it can send flying debris into the air, becoming a deadly hazard for other drivers.
- Inexperience also may cause truck accidents. When a truck driver isn't familiar with operating a commercial truck, it's natural that they may not handle it appropriately. Inexperienced truck drivers should always drive with extra precaution.
While these are some of the main issues for truck drivers, they are not the only ones. Many factors are at play when a trucking accident occurs, and the ensuing outcome can be deadly for the other drivers on the road. If you've been injured through the negligent actions of a truck driver, contact our San Diego truck accident lawyers. We will help create a winning truck accident case for you.