Truck accidents are unfortunately all too common in the United States. In 2015, there were 4,067 people killed in large truck crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That was an 8% increase from the 3,775 people killed in 2014.
There are many reasons why these accidents happen. Some are due to the driver, some are due to the truck, and some are due to the conditions on the road.
Driver error is the most common cause of truck accidents. This can be due to many factors, including fatigue, distraction, impairment, or simply making a poor decision. Truck drivers are under a lot of pressure to meet deadlines, and this can lead to them taking risks that they wouldn’t normally take.
Truck maintenance is also a common cause of accidents. If a truck isn’t properly maintained, it can lead to problems with the brakes, tires, or other critical parts of the vehicle. This can be a problem for both the trucking company and the driver, as both are responsible for keeping the truck in good condition.
Lastly, road conditions can also contribute to accidents. Poorly maintained roads, bad weather, and even debris in the road can all lead to accidents. This is why it’s important for both drivers and trucking companies to be aware of the conditions on the roads they’ll be traveling on.
While there are many causes of truck accidents, these are some of the most common. By understanding the causes, we can work to prevent these accidents from happening in the future.
Federal Regulations Aimed at Reducing Drowsy Driving
In an effort to reduce the number of accidents caused by driver fatigue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has put in place regulations that limit the amount of time a driver can be on the road.
The FMCSA regulations state that drivers can only be on the road for a maximum of 11 hours at a time. After driving for 11 hours, drivers must take a break of at least 10 hours before getting back behind the wheel.
The regulations also state that drivers can only drive a maximum of 70 hours in a 7-day period, or 80 hours in an 8-day period. After reaching the 70 or 80-hour limit, drivers must take a break of at least 34 hours before driving again.
These regulations are meant to ensure that drivers have enough rest before getting back on the road. However, they are not always followed. Drivers may falsify their logs in order to meet deadlines, or they may simply not take the required breaks. This can lead to fatigue, and ultimately, accidents.
Trucking Companies Must Follow Maintenance Schedules
Trucking companies are required to follow a strict maintenance schedule for their vehicles. This schedule includes regular inspections of the brakes, tires, and other critical parts of the truck.
If a truck is not properly maintained, it can lead to problems that can cause accidents. For example, if the brakes are not properly maintained, they may not work as well as they should, and this can lead to an accident.
It’s important for trucking companies to follow the maintenance schedule, and it’s also important for drivers to be aware of the condition of the truck. If a driver notices any problems with the truck, they should report it to the company so that it can be fixed.
Road Conditions Can Be a Factor in Accidents
Road conditions are often a factor in accidents, and this is especially true for truck accidents. Poorly maintained roads, bad weather, and even debris in the road can all lead to accidents.
This is why it’s important for both drivers and trucking companies to be aware of the conditions on the roads they’ll be traveling on. Drivers should always use caution when driving in bad weather or on poorly maintained roads. And, if possible, trucking companies should avoid scheduling deliveries during times when the roads are likely to be in bad condition.
Accidents can Happen Anytime, Anywhere
While the causes of truck accidents are varied, one thing is certain: accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. This is why it’s important for both drivers and trucking companies to be aware of the risks and take steps to avoid accidents.
By understanding the common causes of truck accidents, we can all work together to make the roads safer for everyone.
Logbooks and Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
In order to help reduce the number of accidents caused by driver fatigue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that truck drivers keep a logbook of their hours. This logbook must be kept up-to-date, and it must be available for inspection by the trucking company or law enforcement.
The FMCSA has also mandated the use of electronic logging devices (ELDs). ELDs are devices that automatically track a driver’s hours and can be used to create an electronic logbook.
ELDs are required for all drivers who are required to maintain a logbook. They must be used starting December 18, 2017.
While ELDs and logbooks are not perfect, they are a step in the right direction when it comes to reducing the number of accidents caused by driver fatigue.
Speeding
Truck drivers should always obey the posted speed limit. Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents.
If a truck driver is caught speeding, they will be subject to penalties. These penalties can include:
- License suspension
- Fines
- Jail time
Truck drivers should always avoid speeding. This is the best way to prevent accidents. Visit here for more information, https://royceinjury.com/.
Inexperience
Truck drivers should always make sure that they are properly trained before they start driving. This is to ensure that they are familiar with the truck and how to operate it.
There are a number of ways to get training, including:
- Taking a class: there are classes that truck drivers can take to learn how to drive.
- Getting on-the-job training: some trucking companies will provide on-the-job training to new drivers.
- Getting a CDL: truck drivers must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in order to drive a truck.
Truck drivers should always make sure that they are properly trained before they start driving. This is the best way to prevent accidents.
Poorly Maintained Roads
Truck drivers should always be aware of the condition of the roads. This is to ensure that they are safe to drive on.
Some of the things that truck drivers should look for are:
- Potholes: potholes can damage the tires and suspension of the truck.
- Debris: debris on the road can damage the tires or cause the truck to lose control.
- Poor lighting: poor lighting can make it difficult to see the road.
- Wet roads: wet roads can be slippery and dangerous.
Truck drivers should always avoid driving on poorly maintained roads. This is the best way to prevent accidents.
Conclusion
Truck accidents are a leading cause of death on America’s highways. There are a number of factors that contribute to these accidents, but one of the leading causes is driver fatigue.
In order to prevent accidents, it is important for truck drivers to comply with the traffic laws. This includes things like maintaining a safe following distance, obeying the speed limit, and using turn signals.
Truck drivers should also make sure that their trucks are regularly inspected and maintained. This is to ensure that they are safe to drive.