Many factors can cause truck accidents. But the most common reason for a crash is driver error. Drivers are responsible for eighty-eight percent of collisions involving commercial vehicles. Driver error can take many forms, from speeding to failing to check blind spots. Distractions like texting or talking on the phone can also lead to accidents. Drivers can also be distracted by substances like alcohol or drugs, impairing their judgment. Drivers can even fall asleep behind the wheel.
Equipment Failure
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 39 percent of truck accidents are caused by equipment failure. Other major causes include poor braking systems and tires. Poor road conditions are also a contributing factor. In these situations, a sudden failure of a critical system can lead to a loss of control.
While most truck accidents are the fault of negligent drivers, trucking companies should do everything possible to keep their trucks in good condition. They should perform routine truck inspections, perform preventative maintenance and regularly check equipment and systems. This should eliminate a large percentage of mechanical failures. Trucking companies should also take care to repair any issues with their equipment before an accident occurs.
If your vehicle malfunctions and causes an accident, you should contact a Tractor trailer injury attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you collect evidence to determine who is liable for the crash.
Driver Error
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, driver error is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. This mistake is often the result of various factors, including speeding, failure to check blind spots, and substance abuse. Many factors contribute to this issue, and all are common causes of large truck accidents.
While the study’s findings represent a national average, they can differ slightly. The study looked at the “critical reason” for each truck accident. They considered the vehicle itself and the environment and found that driver error was responsible for about 68,000 truck accidents. The researchers also found that driver error is one of the most common causes of truck accidents, and they broke down human error into four categories.
Lack Of Sleep
A lack of sleep is one of the leading causes of truck accidents, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. According to the agency, up to 28 percent of truck drivers suffer from sleep apnea, which increases driver fatigue.
Research has shown that lack of sleep affects a truck driver’s perception and reaction time. This can lead to a variety of driving errors. In addition, trucking drivers are more prone to sleep deprivation than drivers of other vehicles.
Unfamiliarity With Routes
Truckers need to plan their routes ahead of time to avoid accidents and other traffic violations. While most commercial trucks are equipped with GPS units and mapping apps, truckers must also follow the directions of dispatchers. In addition, drivers should avoid taking unplanned routes, as this can lead to mistakes that can injure other drivers and cause severe damage to their vehicles.
Truck drivers should also pay attention to road conditions, particularly when unfamiliar. Many truck accidents happen when drivers try to recover from a collision by attempting an unsafe maneuver.
Drunk Driving
Drunken truck drivers are particularly dangerous, as they often cannot see and react to hazards correctly. This can lead to rollovers and head-on collisions. They are also more likely to strike other vehicles, buildings, and trees. Ultimately, these accidents can result in fatalities and widespread property damage. Therefore, it’s essential to know how to prevent drunk driving accidents as soon as possible.
Although truck drivers are less likely to cause an accident, drunken truck drivers are still just as dangerous as drunk drivers of passenger cars. A truck’s size and weight make it more difficult for the driver to react quickly, which can have deadly consequences.
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