Commercial vehicles occupy a vital yet hazardous role on highways, with large size and mass raising risks of dangerous accidents. For the drivers especially, operating 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles comes with unique responsibilities.
Truck drivers log long hours on complex roadways to deliver vital goods across cities and states. However, the scale and speed of trucks can also increase the risk of truck accidents. Understanding common causes of truck accidents can help both drivers and the public take preventive measures.
1) Driver Fatigue
A truck accident attorney says that a common cause of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truck drivers may spend extended periods behind the wheel each day without proper rest. Commercial regulations restrict daily driving hours but are not always strictly followed. Sleep deprivation slows reaction times and impairs judgment, greatly increasing crash chances.
Fatigued drivers may fail to brake in time, drift into other lanes unintentionally, or misjudge lanes during turns. Ensuring compliance with rest guidelines through monitoring technology in trucks could help reduce tired driving accidents.
2) Road Conditions
Adverse road and weather conditions rank among the leading environmental causes. Narrow or poorly lit roads leave small margins for error, while damaged pavements pose pothole and debris hazards. Icy, snowy, or rainy weather further decreases traction and visibility.
Trucks need longer stopping distances in rain or snow compared to smaller vehicles. Being extra cautious during inclement weather and postponing non-essential trips if possible may prevent condition-related mishaps.
3) Distracted Driving
Distracted driving continues plaguing all vehicles but especially impacts 18-wheelers due to their immense size. Phone use presents an inescapable temptation during empty highway miles and stops but takes drivers' eyes and focus off the road.
Reaching for objects, attending to passengers, and using onboard technology also divert attention from guiding such large rigs. Enforcing serious penalties combined with education campaigns targeting industry-specific distractions could help curb distracted truck accidents.
4) Vehicle Malfunctions
Mechanical or equipment failures on heavy trucks can abruptly occur due to heavy loads and punishing drives. Issues include brake or tire failure, loose or fallen cargo, and suspension or axle breakdowns. Proper pre-trip inspections and routine maintenance play pivotal roles in averting breakdown-caused collisions.
Advanced driver assistance technologies that identify malfunctions can further aid prevention. Carriers must also periodically inspect or replace high-mileage parts to maximize roadworthiness.
5) Traffic Violations
Other motorists failing to obey traffic laws also significantly contribute to truck wrecks. Common causes involve unsafe lane changes, merging without signaling, and abrupt stops in front of trucks. Since commercial vehicles need extra braking room, cutting them off severely limits reaction times.
Aggressive or distracted car drivers zooming between large vehicles also endanger themselves. Public education targeting truck blind spots may mitigate risky behaviors near big rigs.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents: In Closing
Considering the immense responsibility of professional trucking, understanding these common causes of truck accidents serves as a cautionary reminder. Both commercial operators and other drivers must exercise vigilance, observe rest protocols, and foster mutually careful driving habits to keep roads safe for all. With collaborative preventive efforts, the risks of 18-wheelers can become better managed over time.