Unfortunately, truck accidents are a serious issue on roads and often result in injury and death, as large trucks are large, heavy objects. Learning the common causes of these accidents and what makes them happen can contribute to raising awareness and, thus, help increase road safety.
Here are four common causes of truck accidents.
1. Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving and speeding are huge causes of most truck accidents. The danger of severe collisions increases when truck drivers exceed speed limits because they diminish the time they need to respond to rapidly changing traffic conditions or sudden obstacles. In addition, aggressive driving behaviors not only expose the driver to potential hazards but also surrounding motorists. Not only do these actions slow reaction time but they make unpredictable road situations that can cause an accident. For truck drivers to always maintain safety while on the road, truck drivers should stick to speed limits and practice defensive driving. Nevertheless, if you are a victim of a truck accident, contact a truck accident lawyer in Orlando, or in your area.
2. Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is a significant and often overlooked cause of truck accidents on highways. Long hours behind the wheel, irregular schedules, and the monotony of extended drives can lead to dangerous levels of exhaustion among truck drivers. This fatigue impairs reaction times, decision-making abilities, and overall alertness, putting both the truck driver and other road users at risk. To combat this serious issue, rest breaks have emerged as a crucial prevention strategy. Regular, well-timed breaks allow drivers to refresh their minds, stretch their bodies, and regain the focus necessary for safe driving.
3. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is, unfortunately, a reason for truck accidents, too. There is a myriad of things that will distract a truck driver, like cell phones, GPS devices, or even in-cab electronics. Distraction, even for a moment, can become dangerous because trucks need longer stopping distances than smaller vehicles. At highway speeds, just one momentary lapse in focus can take you far out of your lane. In addition, eating, turning on the radio, or other distracting habits can keep the driver from paying attention to the road. Truck drivers should not do anything that will distract them and take them away from focusing simply on safely driving so as not to endanger the life of themselves or anyone else.
4. Improper Maintenance
There are also a lot of truck accidents attributed to poor vehicle maintenance. Long distances traveled and many years of use tend to wear heavy-duty trucks down, so regular maintenance is a must. Malfunctions on the road will result if brakes, tires, and other important components are not maintained. Checking and repairing trucks frequently reduces truck failure probability. But it also means drivers and companies still must stay ahead of the maintenance checks so that trucks are kept in safe operating conditions.
Conclusion
Many truck accident causes are related to driver behavior and maintenance of the truck. Knowing these causes can make for safer roadways and save lives.
