The 6 Most Common Factors That Lead to Truck Accidents in the USA
Truck accidents are one of the most dangerous and deadly types of road accidents. It causes thousands of injuries and deaths every year. Due to the weight and size of trucks, accidents can result in more severe damages and injuries than other types of accidents. Truck accidents can occur for various reasons.
If you are involved in a truck accident, then it is important to consult with an experienced attorney. Before consulting an attorney, you should be aware of the causes of truck accidents.
This article will explore the six common causes of truck crashes. By understanding the common causes of truck accidents, you can decrease your chance of getting into one.
The following are some of the most common factors that lead to truck accidents:
Distracted Driving
Distraction can be deadly and dangerous when it diverts the attention of truck drivers from the roads. This can cause the driver to miss important traffic signs, signals, or changes in road conditions. It increases the likelihood of violating traffic rules or making errors.
Distracted driving behavior can include drinking or eating while driving, texting or talking on the mobile phone while driving, or even reading while driving.
Impaired driving
Impaired driving means that the driver drives under the influence of medication, drugs, or alcohol. This can affect the driver’s reaction time, vision, coordination, or decision-making. Impaired driving can impair the driver’s ability to perceive and respond to accidents.
It increases the risk of disobeying traffic laws or causing deadly collisions. Most truck drivers drive impaired due to depression, stress, a lack of awareness, or the effects of certain substances.
Overspeeding
Overspeeding is the main cause of fatal truck accidents. It decreases the driver’s ability to control the vehicle. Basically, truck drivers, like delivery guys, are under pressure to reach their delivery location on time. Truck drivers also speed due to pressure from their employers, personal reasons, or traffic congestion. Overspeeding trucks cause accidents by impacting the driver, vehicle, and road.
The weight of the cargo and vehicle requires stopping distances that often cannot be achieved at high speeds. So, it can be hard for truck drivers to react to unexpected situations.
Improperly loaded cargo
Improperly loaded cargo can cause it to fall into the roadway at high speeds. This can affect the balance, weight, and stability of the truck. It also makes it harder for the truck driver to brake, steer, turn, or accelerate. It can fall off or shift during transit, creating hazards for the truck and other vehicles on the road.
Here are some of the issues with improperly loaded cargo:
- Overloaded trailers
- Unbalanced weight distribution
- Cargo shift
Unsafe roads and weather conditions
Road conditions and poor weather are other factors that can cause truck accidents. Poor road maintenance can easily cause a truck crash.
The following are the conditions of an unsafe road:
- Poor lighting
- Unsafe construction zones
- Insufficient merging space
- Lack of traffic controls
Ice, snow, fog, and rain can make the roads perilous. For instance, extensive fog can decrease truck drivers ‘visibility. So, they lose control. It causes multiple vehicle accidents and injuries.
Inexperienced drivers
Inexperienced drivers are one of the major reasons for truck accidents. Inexperienced truck drivers are those who have not received proper training, supervision, or practice driving large trucks. Inexperienced truck drivers don’t have the proper knowledge, skills, or confidence to handle the challenging situations that truck drivers face on the road.
Here are the common mistakes of inexperienced truck drivers: Such as
- Misjudging distances, traffic conditions, or speeds
- Overestimating their abilities.
- Failing to follow safety regulations
Final Thoughts
Truck accidents can have serious legal and financial implications for both the truck drivers and their employers. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney. They can help you to claim compensation for your injuries and damages.
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