Hundreds of thousands of truck accidents happen every year. In many instances, these collisions lead to damaged vehicles, serious injuries, and even fatalities. Unfortunately, so many of these accidents were avoidable—and in many cases, taking simple safety precautions would have been sufficient to prevent them. Below are some of the most frequent reasons for truck accidents.
Speeding
Exceeding the speed limit is dangerous for all vehicles, but the increased size and weight of trucks make them particularly lethal in the event of an accident. Truck drivers may speed to make up for lost time or in an attempt to finish a delivery ahead of schedule. When other drivers see trucks speeding, they are likely to try to move out of the way as fast as possible—which, in turn, can create the potential for collisions.
Driving while under the influence of drugs
You are probably already familiar with the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol. One of the hazards of the trucking profession, however, is that so many truckers use controlled substances to stay awake during the long hours that they spend on the road. Not only do these drugs make truck drivers more likely to drive recklessly, but they are also likely to cause sudden—and dangerous—fatigue once they wear off.
Inadequate driver training
Before a driver gets on the road, they need to go through extensive training to drive in dangerous conditions. In particular, drivers must learn how to operate a truck safely in bad weather. Rain, snow, and even high winds can make it much more challenging to steer and brake a truck, so drivers need to respond accordingly. If a driver has not received the proper training, they are at a much higher risk of becoming involved in an accident.
Distracted drivers
Truck drivers long hours behind the wheel, which means that they are more vulnerable to distractions. If a truck driver becomes distracted by a text message, reading a map, or even eating or drinking, then it means that they are not paying close attention to the road. Even brief lapses in concentration, for truck drivers, can be deadly. It only takes a second’s distraction to create the potential for a fatal collision.
Contact us for a free consultation
When you need an experienced truck accident attorney in Arizona, contact Showard Law Firm. We are dedicated to standing up for your rights and advocating for fair compensation for your injuries. Our law firm proudly serves Tucson, Sierra Vista, and the rest of Southern Arizona. If you would like to schedule a free consultation– get in touch with us today.
Additional Resources:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, The Large Truck Crash Causation Study – Analysis Brief, https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/research-and-analysis/large-truck-crash-causation-study-analysis-brief
- Trucks.com, Trucking Fatalities Reach Highest Level in 30 years, https://www.trucks.com/2019/10/22/trucking-fatalities-reach-highest-level-30-years/
